D’Tigers and Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie has played down concerns over his possible absence from Nigeria’s final round of FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers, insisting that the national team possesses enough quality to secure qualification even if he is unavailable.
The final round of qualifiers is scheduled for February next year, a period that could clash with the NBA season and Okogie’s commitments with the Houston Rockets.
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Rather than expressing concern over his potential absence, the Nigerian international placed his confidence in the team and the coaching staff to deliver the required result.
“I have belief in the team and the coaching staff that they will be able to give their very best and ensure Nigeria qualifies, whether I am a part of the team or not.”
Okogie believes D’Tigers have the quality required to navigate the decisive qualification stage, stressing that maintaining the right momentum could prove crucial when the team enters the final phase of the campaign.
“The team has the quality and, with the right momentum, should be able to navigate the qualifiers.”
His comments underline his confidence in the depth and ability of the current national-team setup, while also recognising the difficult scheduling realities faced by players competing in the NBA.
The final qualification window will require Nigeria to produce its best basketball at a critical stage, with qualification dependent on the team’s performances across the decisive games.
For D’Tigers, having Okogie available would undoubtedly provide another experienced option, but the Houston Rockets guard insists the team’s ambitions should not depend on one individual.
The message is particularly significant as Nigeria continues to build towards another appearance at the global basketball showpiece.
Whether Okogie can join the team or not, he believes the responsibility ultimately belongs to the entire squad and coaching staff.
For Okogie, the mission comes before the individual — and he believes D’Tigers have what it takes to punch their World Cup ticket, even if the NBA schedule keeps him away.
