Nigeria appoints former NBA coach Fizdale as new D’Tigers handler
Nigeria appoints former NBA coach Fizdale as new D’Tigers handler
Nigeria appoints former NBA coach David Fizdale to be acting head coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers.
Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that D’Tigers are preparing for the qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games scheduled for Los Angeles in the United States.
Akeem Busari, Media Coordinator of the team, confirmed the development to NAN on Sunday.
Busari said the 51-year-old American had previously coached NBA franchises including Memphis Grizzlies, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns between 2023 and 2025.
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Fizdale, who recently worked as an NBA TV analyst, said his major motivation was to lead D’Tigers to the 2028 Olympics in his hometown, Los Angeles.
“What is driving me the most is helping Nigeria not only qualify and win a medal, but to do that in front of my family.
“That will be very special,” he said.
Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that expectations are high for Fizdale to improve the fortunes of D’Tigers, who are currently ranked eighth in Africa and 53rd in the world.
The ranking represents a decline in the team’s performance following recent struggles in international competitions, including a quarter-final exit at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket.
VMT NEWS further reports that the current ranking is the team’s lowest in recent years.
Former coach Mike Brown had led D’Tigers to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the 2023 AfroBasket Championship in Angola, where the team also exited at the quarter-final stage.
