Nigeria’s D’Tigers crashed out of the FIBA 2025 Afrobasket Championship after falling 91–75 to a dominant Senegalese side in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
The D’Tigers, who entered the Last Eight with a perfect 3–0 record, started brightly in the opening quarterbut slipped as the game deepened. Senegal used this as a fuel, turned the game, dominated the Nigerian side in the second quarter and sealed their win.
Head coach, Mohammed Abdulrahman admitted afterwards that Senegal were the better side of the day, praising their execution and adjustments during the game.
“They had classes in almost every department of the game. I think they deserve to win. We didn’t just play well enough to win,” Abdulrahman said.
The coach lamented that his side were unable to impose their style of play as Senegal took control.
“We didn’t play our style. A lot of things just went wrong, but I’m not going to take away credit for Senegal. I think they deserve to win.”
“They played better. In the game of basketball, the team that makes better adjustments in the course of the game is the team that’s obviously going to win the game. I think they just make better adjustments.
“Whatever it is that happened after that timeout, they made the better adjustments. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not happy we lost, but I’m still proud of how we play.”
‘We Fell Short’ – D’Tigers Head Coach
Despite the disappointment, Coach Abdulrahman highlighted positives, pointing out that the team is beginning to form its identity.
“In a long time now, we’ve been able to know our identity as a team. We fell short, but it’s just part of the process.”
“Now we understand what we need to do going forward to build a culture that is going to help us play better.
“You also have to understand in the last six games that we play at this level, this is the first time we’re losing. It’s actually the first time we’re playing with a 10-point or 11-point deficit that they have.”
“I think that got us a bit rattled, but like I said, I’m proud of how we play. We’re going to get better. We know our identity now, and we’re just going to move on from there.”
“I Expected a Different Result” – Guard Okoye
D’Tigers’ shooting guard, Stan Okoye described the Afrobasket as a special competition despite Nigeria’s exit. He lamented that he expected a positive result for the Nigeria side, who qualified for the quarterfinals unbeaten (3-0).
At the post-match interview, he said;
“I think it’s a wonderful tournament. I think Africa needs a tournament like this. I wish this was every year. I love coming back to Africa and playing basketball.”
“Unfortunately, it’s sad right now because we lost the game, but it’s a privilege and honor to always come out here and represent Nigeria and play in this tournament.”
“I expected different results today, obviously, but I’m just blessed and humbled to be here.”
Okoye also shared the bond that comes with representing the national team.
“When you come together with a national team, it’s always a special moment. From my experience, every time I get with a national team, it feels like a family atmosphere.”
“We get very close and you build relationships with everybody and they become lifelong friends.
“So I think it’s a very special experience and opportunity together every time we do this.”
The 2025 Afrobasket knockout loss may sting D’Tigers and the entire team, but coach Abdulrahman insists the foundation has been laid for improvement.
With six wins in their last seven games at this level, D’Tigers remain confident that their identity and style will fuel progress in future tournaments, including the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.
