Nigeria’s basketball renaissance may be fueled by its global diaspora, as Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane signals he wants to don the green and white for the D’Tigers and recruit fellow NBA talent.
Although officially listed as American, Bane’s Nigerian heritage gives him the option to represent Nigeria internationally. Speaking to BBC Sport, he emphasized:
“We just need to get all the Nigerians together for the Olympics coming up in the next couple of years and make something happen.”
Bane is actively reaching out to other diaspora stars. He has discussed joining Nigeria with Aaron Nesmith (Indiana Pacers) and Gabe Vincent (Los Angeles Lakers). Josh Okogie, born in Lagos but raised in the U.S., is already a Nigeria international. Rising Nigerian-listed NBA players Precious Achiuwa and Adem Bona could also strengthen the team.
The D’Tigers currently rank 50th globally and 7th in Africa, making qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics a major challenge. Their pathway includes the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar, where they must finish as the highest-ranked African team in their group. A separate African Olympic qualifying tournament offers another route.
Bane recently participated in the NBA Global Games in Europe, noting the growing influence of Nigerian talent abroad:
“There are so many talented players everywhere… we can really make something happen for Nigeria.”
With diaspora stars ready to answer the call, Nigeria’s basketball team could transform its international standing, turning global talent into homegrown Olympic success.
