Abdulrahman Set to Lead D’Tigers at AfroBasket in Angola

With the 31st edition of the FIBA Men’s AfroBasket Championship fast approaching, interim head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman is poised to guide Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, at the prestigious tournament in Angola, Sport360NG reports.

Abdulrahman, who stepped in during the final window of the AfroBasket qualifiers in Tripoli, Libya, last year, led the team to crucial victories over Libya, Uganda, and Cape Verde, securing Nigeria’s place at the continental showpiece.

Before assuming the head coaching role during the qualifiers, Abdulrahman had served in an assistant capacity for the national team across various international competitions. His coaching journey began with Bauchi Nets as an assistant before rising to head coach, and he has since managed several domestic clubs, including Gombe Bulls, Rivers Hoopers, and Nigeria Customs.

The experienced tactician has led D’Tigers to notable tournaments such as the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the AfroBasket Qualifiers in 2024 and 2025. His previous stints as assistant coach include the AfroBasket Championships in 2004, 2005, and 2006, as well as FIBA World Cup qualifying campaigns in 2009 and 2023.

Abdulrahman now faces the challenge of guiding the 2015 champions through a tricky Group B, where Nigeria will contend with titleholders Tunisia, Cameroon, and Madagascar. Their campaign tips off against Madagascar on August 13, followed by a clash with Tunisia on August 15, before rounding off the group stage against Cameroon on August 17.

Although the Nigeria Basketball Federation is yet to release details of the team’s training camp, players named in the provisional squad are expected to begin arriving shortly, with visa processing already underway.