The road to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Qatar has officially begun for Nigeria’s men’s national basketball team, the D’Tigers, as they were drawn into Group C of the African Qualifiers alongside Rwanda, Guinea, and Tunisia.
The draw, announced by FIBA on May 13, 2025, sets the stage for an intense battle among 16 African nations across four groups, all vying for a spot in the prestigious tournament.
D'Tigers group
The African Qualifiers feature 16 teams divided into four groups, each promising thrilling matchups.
Group A includes Cameroon, South Sudan, Libya, and Cape Verde, bringing together a mix of established and emerging basketball nations.
Group B consists of Senegal, Congo (Democratic Republic of Congo), Madagascar, and Ivory Coast.
Nigeria’s Group C, as previously noted, pits the D’Tigers against Rwanda, Guinea, and Tunisia—a blend of emerging talent, gritty underdogs, and a regional rival.
Meanwhile, Group D features Mali, Angola, Uganda, and Egypt.
Nigeria, a powerhouse in African basketball, faces a diverse set of challenges in Group C. The D’Tigers, known for their fast-paced play and NBA-caliber talent, are no strangers to high-stakes international competition.
They previously qualified for the 2019 edition but missed out on the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
The D’Tigers have a deep talent pool to draw from, with several players competing in top leagues globally.