D’Tigers captain, Ike Diogu, is very optimistic that the team can finish strong when they begin their campaign at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.
The Nigeria senior men’s basketball team have been on an extended 13-year absence from the global event, and the team is very eager to show the world just how formidable they are.
D’Tigers were the first team in the world to qualify for the global tournament, following their 9-match winning streak which earned them 18 points, with three games left to play in the qualification series.
The team was hoping to finish the qualification rounds unbeaten to boost their reputation into the World Cup, however, they lost two games during the final qualification window.
Diogu, who averaged 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists for Nigeria during the qualification rounds, believes that the present crop of players on the team can win a medal at the World championships.
“We have a strong roster with players competing in top championships across the world. If they can stay healthy and be consistent, we’ll have every reason to be hopeful for a better performance as compared to 13 years ago.
“There is… great determination amongst the players. We feel like this could be our year to hit the big stage and send across a strong message that Nigerian basketball has immensely evolved.”
Featured image source: The Guardian Nigeria
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