With just weeks to go before the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tips off in Côte d’Ivoire, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) is in a critical situation as funds are yet to be approved by the National Sports Commission (NSC) putting D’Tigress’ title defense and World Cup qualification hopes at serious risk.
According to a report by The Guardian, the NSC was supposed to release funds in May, but as of now, no flight tickets have been secured for players and officials, and no travel plans have been sent to the tournament hosts. No Travel Plans, No Tickets, Just Uncertainty.
D’Tigress Camp Delayed, Plans Disrupted
Initially, camp was scheduled to begin on July 1 in Abuja, following the NSC’s directive to scrap the traditional USA camp, but that plan has been derailed, and preparations have now fallen behind by over a month.
With other teams like Senegal already weeks into their training camps, Nigeria, who are five-time AfroBasket champions and defending queens of Africa, are at risk of missing out or performing below par at the tournament, which begins July 26.
D’Tigress Homecoming Tournament Faces Race Against Time
Before heading to Côte d’Ivoire, D’Tigress are scheduled to play friendly matches against Kenya and Togo on July 19 and 20 at the Moor Arena in Abuja, as part of the D’Tigress Homecoming Basketball Tournament, their first game on Nigerian soil in five years.
The NBBF believes the event can help reconnect the team with local fans and draw sponsorship interest.
NBBF Speaks: “It’s Time to Celebrate These Women”
Speaking ahead of the homecoming event, NBBF’s Head of Marketing, Ugo Edezue, spoke on the significance of the friendly games:
“For us, I think calling it a homecoming event is the first time in five years the team is going to play in Nigeria.”
“And I think for us, it’s important to showcase, you know, not just the basketball, you know, the whole lifestyle around these women.”
“These are very beautiful, strong, intelligent, hard-working women that have done our nation proud.”
“And I think it’s good for us to bring them home so people can actually understand and watch them in action in Nigeria.”
“They are playing against Togo and Kenya in preparation for the AfroBasket. And I think it will be a great opportunity for potential partners to get involved.”
“They are playing at the Moor Arena on the 17th of this month. And it’s going to be a whole weekend of activities, and it’s going to be so interesting.”
“So I think it will be a good time for Nigerians to come around and sponsor and support and cheer these ladies on as they go for the six. No team in Africa has done it.”
D’Tigress are chasing a record-extending sixth AfroBasket title, and qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is also on the line.
With logistics unresolved and morale threatened, their campaign risks being derailed before it even begins, and unless the NSC intervenes immediately, Nigeria may fall behind.
