However, behind this seemingly unified effort lies a troubled history within the NBBF. Over the years, the Federation has been marred by leadership tussles, opaque financial management, and a lack of clear strategic direction.
1 month ago
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has recently released the 24-man preliminary roster for the D’Tigers ahead of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers in Tripoli, Libya, scheduled from February 17 to 24, 2025. While the roster—a blend of 11 home-based players and 13 talents playing abroad—appears competitive on paper, it also brings to the forefront a longstanding issue; the NBBF’s chronic mismanagement and administrative chaos that has left Nigeria’s national team without a solid foundation.
Head coach Abdulrahman Mohammed, who successfully led the team during the first qualifying window, returns to guide the D’Tigers. He is supported by former Nigerian international Deji Akindele and NBA assistant coach Isikaku Ikenna Smart. The team’s preparation is divided into two phases: domestic players will commence training at the Bentley Hotel in Abuja from February 10 to 16, with foreign-based players joining in Tripoli on February 17 for the final camp and tournament activities.
D’TIGERS ROSTER LIST
However, behind this seemingly unified effort lies a troubled history within the NBBF. Over the years, the Federation has been marred by leadership tussles, opaque financial management, and a lack of clear strategic direction. Controversies—ranging from internal power struggles and delayed payment of dues to misappropriation of funds—have repeatedly hindered the growth and stability of Nigerian basketball. These systemic failures have not only disrupted long-term planning but have also forced the D’Tigers into a situation where they qualify for major tournaments without the robust infrastructure and support systems typically necessary for sustained success.
Critics argue that the Federation’s failure to establish a transparent and efficient administrative framework has resulted in chronic underinvestment in critical areas such as training facilities, coaching development, and player welfare. In recent years, players have frequently expressed frustration over the lack of proper logistical support and the haphazard nature of team camps. These issues are symptomatic of an organization struggling to balance internal conflicts and bureaucratic inertia .
The repercussions of this mismanagement are evident. Despite Nigeria’s rich pool of basketball talent and a promising preliminary roster, the D’Tigers are often left scrambling to prepare adequately for international competitions. Their hurried preparations and disjointed training camps suggest that while the on-court talent exists, the off-court administrative support remains critically lacking. This scenario has led many stakeholders to question whether the team’s continued qualification for competitions like the AfroBasket Qualifiers is a testament to resilience or merely a consequence of a lax qualifying system that does not adequately account for structural weaknesses.
As Nigeria prepares to face some of the continent’s best teams in Tripoli, the spotlight is not only on the players’ performance but also on the urgent need for the NBBF to reform its operations. A comprehensive overhaul—addressing everything from financial transparency and leadership stability to enhanced training infrastructure—is imperative if Nigerian basketball is to realize its full potential. Without these critical reforms, the D’Tigers may continue to compete without the necessary foundation for long-term success, ultimately jeopardizing the future of basketball in Nigeria.
Ultimately, the current state of Nigerian basketball serves as a stark reminder that talent alone is not enough. For Nigeria to emerge as a genuine powerhouse in international basketball, the NBBF must put its act in order and create an environment where players are supported by a robust, forward-thinking administrative framework.
