D’Tigers forward, Okoye, confident in Nigeria’s basketball future

Despite Nigeria’s exit from the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket, D’Tigers forward, Stanley Okoye, insists the future of Nigerian basketball remains bright.

Speaking after a 91-75 quarterfinal loss to Senegal, Okoye admitted disappointment but expressed pride in representing the country.

Nigeria had impressed in Group B with three wins, only to fall short in the knockout stage.

As the only AfroBasket champion in the current roster, the veteran played a key leadership role. While frustrated by the result, Okoye stressed that wearing the D’Tigers jersey is an honour—and he remains confident in the team’s long-term prospects.

“It means a lot. It is always an honor to represent the country,” the 34-year-old told FIBA.basketball.

“It’s been some time since I last wore the jersey. Unfortunately, we lost, but it’s always a privilege to wear the jersey,” said Okoye, who averaged 11.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game at the tournament.

Stan Okoye made his second appearance in the AfroBasket tournament in 2015. He had debuted in the tournament two years earlier in Côte d’Ivoire.

Okoye, who last played for D’Tigers at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, is a team veteran at 34. He intimated that Nigeria can only be successful if players show up for the team.

“It felt good to be with this team. We have a great team. It’s an honor to be one of the team’s leaders and bring my experience to the game,” Okoye said. “We need everybody to show up. We have to approach things humbly and bring our best every time.”

With Nigeria’s time in the tournament coming to an end, Okoye told his teammates not to dwell on the loss because there will be more basketball to play later in the year.