Abdulrahman Mohammed, the head coach of D’Tigers for the first window of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers in Monastir, Tunisia, expressed pride in the team despite their 89-82 loss to Libya.
Despite arriving in Monastir just seven hours before the game, D’Tigers showcased a spirited performance.
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Initially withdrawn from the qualifiers due to financial constraints, the team received assurance from Sports Minister John Enoh, promising reimbursement of all incurred expenses within three weeks.
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Nigeria fought back admirably, pushing the game into overtime after regulation time ended 75-75, despite trailing by as much as 16 points. However, they ultimately faltered in overtime, being outscored 14-7 by the Libyans.
Despite the defeat, Abdulrahman Mohammed commended the players’ performance. Assembled less than 24 hours before the tournament without a training camp, the team’s effort was impressive.
“I’m impressed with the boys, we gave everything we got. It was a tough loss, we had the opportunity to win the game in regulation time. We took the shot and missed.
“Sometimes basketball is just like that but I’m proud of the boys and how they gave everything they had. So, I’m not disappointed with the loss,” Mohammed said in a post-game press conference after the loss.
Nigeria’s next game is against Uganda who narrowly lost their opening 78-73 to Cape Verde.
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