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

Nigeria’s push to build a powerful men’s basketball team for the 2028 Olympic Games has gathered pace after four NBA players reportedly signalled readiness to represent D’Tigers following the appointment of David Fizdale as head coach.

Fizdale, who previously led the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks, worked as an assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns between 2023 and 2025 before taking charge of Nigeria’s national team.

Basketball journalist and scout Coach Hova revealed that Aaron Nesmith has already pledged his allegiance ahead of the next international window.

“Sources close to me have confirmed that Aaron Nesmith has committed to representing the D’Tigers in the upcoming international basketball window,” Coach Hova said as quoted by the Punch.

The Indiana Pacers forward was drafted 14th overall by the Boston Celtics in 2020 before moving to Indiana two years later.

Hova also disclosed that Desmond Bane has begun the process of switching international allegiance to Nigeria in preparation for the 2028 Olympics.

“Desmond Bane is committed and already processing his switch to represent D’Tigers ahead of the 2028 Olympics,” the scout said.

He added that Bane has been encouraging other NBA players of Nigerian heritage to buy into the project, including Nesmith.

Earlier this year, Bane spoke publicly about his ambitions during a BBC interview in January 2026, stating that he wanted to unite Nigerian-eligible players for a serious Olympic run.

“We just need to get all the Nigerians together for the Olympics coming up in the next couple years and make something happen,” Bane said.

He confirmed discussions had already begun with fellow players.

“I’d talk to Aaron Nesmith,” he said. “Gabe Vincent and Int also talked about it a little bit. We need to do it.”

Journalist Kehinde Bamidele also reported that Onyeka Okongwu remains keen to play for Nigeria under Fizdale.

“Okongwu remains interested in representing D’Tigers of Nigeria under new head coach David Fizdale.”

The Atlanta Hawks centre previously missed a call-up due to short notice, but discussions are ongoing ahead of the July international window.

Bamidele added that Ayo Dosunmu has yet to make a final decision, though the coaching staff are eager to secure his commitment.

“Ayo Dosunmu is yet to commit to D’Tigers of Nigeria. Fizdale understands that one of his early priorities will be convincing the Wolves guard to represent Nigeria,” he said.

Dosunmu previously represented the United States at the youth level, winning gold at the 2018 FIBA U18 Americas Championship, meaning any switch could require clearance.

Fizdale has already set a clear target. After his appointment by the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), he told ESPN that guiding Nigeria to the Olympics in his hometown of Los Angeles would be a defining moment in his career.

Nigeria competed at London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 but remain in search of their first Olympic basketball medal.