As the 31st edition of the FIBA Men’s AfroBasket Championship draws near, interim head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman is set to guide Nigeria’s D’Tigers at the continental showpiece in Angola.
Abdulrahman, who steered the national team through the final window of the AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers in Tripoli, Libya, oversaw key wins over hosts Libya, Uganda, and Cape Verde, securing Nigeria’s place at the tournament.
Before assuming the interim role, he served as an assistant coach at multiple international competitions. His coaching journey began with the Bauchi Nets as an assistant, before he rose to head coach.
Over the years, he has led local clubs including the Gombe Bulls, Rivers Hoopers, and Nigeria Customs.
As a national team coach, Abdulrahman has been on the sidelines for three major tournaments: the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and the 2024 and 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers.
He also featured as an assistant coach in the AfroBasket Championships between 2004 and 2006, and at the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers in 2009 and 2023.
Now, he faces the challenge of returning Nigeria to the summit of African basketball, following their last AfroBasket triumph in 2015.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group B alongside defending champions Tunisia, Cameroon, and Madagascar. D’Tigers will open their campaign against Madagascar on August 13, face Tunisia on August 15, and wrap up their group stage with a clash against Cameroon on August 17.
While the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) is yet to announce a formal camp schedule, members of the provisional squad are expected to begin arriving soon, with visa processing now completed.