NBA Stars Want To Play For D’Tigers As Nigeria Targets 2028 Olympics

Nigeria's effort to create a formidable men's basketball squad for the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games has intensified, with four NBA players reportedly expressing their willingness to join D'Tigers after David Fizdale was named head coach.

Fizdale, who has previously coached the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks, served as an assistant with the Phoenix Suns from 2023 to 2025 prior to taking the helm of Nigeria's national team.

Basketball analyst and scout Coach Hova indicated that Aaron Nesmith has already affirmed his commitment for the next international competition.

"Insiders have informed me that Aaron Nesmith has agreed to play for the D'Tigers in the forthcoming international basketball event," Coach Hova stated as reported by the Punch.

The forward for the Indiana Pacers was selected 14th in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics before relocating to Indiana two years later.

Hova further revealed that Desmond Bane has initiated the process of changing his international representation to Nigeria in anticipation of the 2028 Olympics.

"Desmond Bane has confirmed his commitment and is already working on his transition to represent D'Tigers before the 2028 Olympics," the scout mentioned.

He also highlighted that Bane has been motivating other NBA players of Nigerian descent to engage with this initiative, including Nesmith.

Earlier this year, Bane publicly discussed his aspirations during a BBC interview in January 2026, expressing his desire to unite Nigerian-eligible athletes for a serious Olympic campaign.

"We simply need to gather all the Nigerians together for the upcoming Olympics in the next few years and make something significant happen," Bane commented.

He confirmed that conversations had already started with other players.

"I'd spoken with Aaron Nesmith," he remarked. "Gabe Vincent and I also touched on it a bit. We must make this happen."

Journalist Kehinde Bamidele additionally noted that Onyeka Okongwu is still eager to represent Nigeria with Fizdale at the helm.

"Okongwu is still interested in joining the D'Tigers of Nigeria under the leadership of new head coach David Fizdale."

The center of the Atlanta Hawks previously could not accept a call-up because of late notice, but negotiations are continuing in advance of the July international window.

Bamidele mentioned that Ayo Dosunmu has yet to finalize his decision, although the coaching staff is keen to have him on board.

"Ayo Dosunmu has not yet committed to playing for D'Tigers of Nigeria. Fizdale recognizes that one of his initial goals will be to persuade the Wolves guard to join Nigeria," he explained.

Dosunmu has previously represented the United States at the junior level, earning gold at the 2018 FIBA U18 Americas Championship, which means that any change in allegiance could require approval.

Fizdale has established a clear objective. Following his appointment by the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), he informed ESPN that leading Nigeria to the Olympics in his home city of Los Angeles would mark a pivotal moment in his career.

Nigeria has participated in the Olympics in London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020 but continues to seek its first Olympic basketball medal.