Rockets’ Okogie Joins D’Tigers Camp Ahead of 2025 AfroBasket

Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie has arrived the D’Tigers camp in Abuja to join up with the rest of his national teammates ahead of the 2025 Afrobasket, slated to take place in Angola from August 12 to 24.

The 26-year-old, who announced his arrival via his Instagram, headlines a 16-man preliminary roster for the D’Tigers. His presence provides a major boost for the rest of the team already in their training camp in the Federal Capital Territory.

Okogie represented Nigeria at the 2019 FIBA World Cup and the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, and is making a much-needed return to the team after a two-year break.

He last featured for the D’Tigers at the 2023 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers, averaging an efficient 16.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.

The guard joined the Rockets on a one-year, $3.1 million deal this offseason as a free agent after being waved by the Charlotte Hornets. Despite playing a career-low 40 games in the NBA last season, he recorded career highs in steals, field goal percentage, and 3-point field goal percentage.

The former Minnesota Timberwolves forward is expected to make the final cut for the D’Tigers, who have been in Group B at the 2025 Afrobasket.

Nigeria will play defending champions Tunisia, Madagascar, and Cameroon in the group phase.The D’Tigers will begin their campaign against Madagascar on 13 August, before playing Tunisia on 15 August and Cameroon on 17 August.

The group winners will secure automatic qualification to the quarterfinals, while the second- and third-placed teams will battle for a spot through the qualification round.

Meanwhile, the D’Tigers will play a friendly game against Guinea this week as part of preparations for the tournament.