Head coach of Nigeria Customs Basketball Club, Abdul Mohammed, has expressed confidence in the new-look D’Tigers, praising the team’s resilience after securing qualification for the next window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers.
Nigeria kept its World Cup qualification hopes alive with an impressive showing during the latest qualifying window, easing concerns over the team’s rebuilding process following a period of transition and administrative challenges.
Reacting to the team’s performances, Mohammed commended the balance between experienced professionals and emerging talents, insisting the squad has the quality to compete despite the absence of current NBA players.
“People focus on the fact that there are no current NBA players in the squad, but this team has experienced professionals who have played at that level before, alongside young players hungry to prove themselves,” Mohammed said.
The former international noted that the composition of the squad reflects a deliberate effort by the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to build a competitive team capable of delivering results while laying a foundation for the future.
He also praised the federation for honouring its commitment to strengthen the national team despite the financial constraints that have affected basketball development in recent years.
“The federation promised Nigerians a stronger team, and I believe they have fulfilled that promise. Considering the financial challenges, they’ve assembled a squad capable of getting the job done,” he added.
Nigeria’s qualification for the next phase represents an important step in the country’s quest to return to the FIBA Basketball World Cup, having consistently remained one of Africa’s leading basketball nations over the past decade.
The progress has also renewed optimism that D’Tigers can re-establish themselves among the continent’s elite under the current rebuilding project.
With another qualifying window on the horizon, attention will now shift to maintaining momentum as the coaching crew continues to blend experienced campaigners with the next generation of Nigerian basketball talent in pursuit of a place at the next FIBA Basketball World Cup.
