As the Nigerian national basketball team, D’Tigers, continues its campaign at the AfroBasket 2025 championship in Luanda, Angola, star player Josh Okogie has become a central figure both on and off the court. Amidst ongoing discussions about the composition of the squad, Okogie has opened up about the profound personal connection that fuels his passion for representing Nigeria, a connection he says is rooted in his very origin.
Addressing The Narrative: Born in Lagos, Raised in the USA
The Nigerian basketball team has often featured players who, while of Nigerian heritage, were born and developed their skills abroad, primarily in the United States. This has occasionally drawn criticism from some fans who question their depth of connection to the nation.
Okogie, however, presents a distinctly different case. The Houston Rockets guard clarified that his story begins not in the U.S., but in the heart of Nigeria’s largest city.
“I was born in Nigeria. So, I always feel attached to home,” Okogie revealed emphatically. Though his family moved to the United States when he was just three years old, this fundamental fact of his birth in Lagos has shaped his entire perspective on representing D’Tigers. It’s not merely a choice of heritage; it is, for him, a representation of his literal homeland.
A Heartfelt Homecoming: Training Camp in Nigeria
The authenticity of Okogie’s connection was powerfully affirmed during the team’s preparatory training camp held in Nigeria before the tournament. For many foreign-born players, these visits can be brief introductions, but for Okogie, it was a long-awaited homecoming.
He described the experience as deeply moving, particularly the opportunity to play an exhibition game in front of a local Nigerian crowd. The energy and reception from the fans left an indelible mark on the 26-year-old athlete.
“Playing in front of those fans was probably the most satisfying moment my heart has ever felt playing basketball,” Okogie shared. “It was a delight being able to play in front of those Nigerian fans. Obviously, it was an exhibition game, but it really meant something special for me. To be able to represent my country means the world to me and my family.“
This experience transcended the typical preparation for an international tournament. It served as a powerful emotional anchor, solidifying his resolve and deepening his sense of national pride.
Proving His Passion on the Court
Okogie’s words are strongly supported by his performances in Angola. He has emerged as a critical leader for D’Tigers, leading the team in scoring during their crucial victories over Tunisia and Cameroon in the group stages. His aggressive play, defensive intensity, and clutch scoring have been vital to Nigeria’s progression in the tournament.
His motivation is clear: to help Nigeria reclaim the AfroBasket title it won a decade ago in 2015. Every drive to the basket, every defensive stop, is fueled by a desire to make the nation—and his family—proud.
A High-Stakes Quarter-Final Against Senegal
The next test for Okogie and his heightened nationalism is a monumental one. D’Tigers is set to face the five-time champions, Senegal, in a high-stakes quarter-final match. The Senegalese team, known for its athleticism and historic prowess in African basketball, advanced after a solid 78-65 victory over South Sudan.
The matchup is rich with history. Senegal, with its six silver and five bronze medals to go with its five titles, is a continental giant. Nigeria’s history, while also decorated, is more recent. Their sole championship victory came in 2015, a tournament where they famously defeated Senegal in the semi-finals on their way to the gold medal. Senegal will undoubtedly be eager for revenge and to add a sixth star to its jersey.
More Than a Game: A World Cup Ticket on the Line
The implications of Wednesday’s game extend far beyond continental bragging rights and a spot in the semi-finals. The winner will secure an automatic qualifying berth for the next edition of the FIBA Basketball World Cup. For both basketball-loving nations, securing that ticket is a primary objective, adding an immense layer of pressure to an already fierce rivalry.
For Josh Okogie, this game is the perfect platform to channel the passion he discovered during his homecoming. As he steps onto the court at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda, he won’t just be playing for a team; he will be playing for the country of his birth, driven by a “real passion for Nigeria” that is as genuine as his birthplace.
