The Nigeria Basketball Federation has appointed former NBA coach David Fizdale as the new head coach of D’Tigers.
The federation says the appointment is part of a long-term plan to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and strengthen Nigerian basketball at the international level.
Fizdale, 51, previously coached the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks, and also served as an assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns.
NBBF President Musa Kida said the move reflects efforts to raise standards and bring top-level experience to the national team setup.
The federation also expects Fizdale’s appointment to contribute to player development and coaching education in Nigeria.
Speaking on the role, Fizdale described the opportunity as personal, saying leading Nigeria to the Olympics in his hometown of Los Angeles would be a special achievement.
Nigeria’s qualification campaign is expected to begin at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African qualifiers in Luanda, Angola, where D’Tigers will face Tunisia, Rwanda, Guinea and Angola.
Fizdale said former D’Tigers coach Mike Brown influenced his decision to accept the role.
Nigeria has appeared at three Olympic Games but is yet to win a basketball medal.
