Nigeria’s senior men’s national basketball team, D’Tigers, has been compelled to withdraw from the AfroBasket 2025 qualifiers due to financial difficulties, leaving their participation in doubt.
The team’s withdrawal was made public through an announcement on D’Tigers‘ official handle on the X App, disappointing fans across the nation.
Previously scheduled to commence their qualifiers on Saturday, 23 February, against Libya, D’Tigers‘ absence from the tournament is a significant setback.
Reports indicate that the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) is currently scrambling to secure funds from the Ministry of Sports in a last-ditch effort to enable D’Tigers’ participation.
The AfroBasket 2025 qualification tournament spans from February to November 2024 and serves as the platform for 16 nations to secure their spot in the FIBA AfroBasket 2025.
D’Tigers were drawn in Group B alongside Uganda, Cape Verde, and Libya for the qualifiers’ first window, set to take place in Tunisia.
However, their withdrawal raises concerns about the team’s chances and their ability to defend their title.
Having won the AfroBasket only once, back in 2015, Nigeria’s basketball fans had hoped for a strong return in the upcoming qualifiers.
As fans await further developments, the focus now shifts to the NBBF’s efforts to secure the necessary support and ensure D’Tigers’ participation in international basketball competitions.
