David Fizdale has officially begun his journey as head coach of Nigeria’s D’Tigers with a clear message, unity will be key if the team is to return to the Olympics and compete at the highest level again.
Speaking during his first interview with Nigerian media on M4STV’s special programme on M Forest TV, Fizdale said Nigeria has the talent to achieve great things if everyone moves in the same direction, regardless of tribe, religion or where they live.
“We are one,” he said. “If we stay united and push together, we can accomplish big things.”
The interview, hosted by Ritoye and Pastor Pio, served as an introduction between the new coach and Nigerian basketball fans, while also giving insight into the direction he wants to take the national team.
Fizdale was open about what he believes the team currently lacks, especially when it comes to shooting.
“I need shooters,” he said. “I need spot shooters. I’m going to try something and start training.”
He explained that he wants D’Tigers to play with energy, speed and strong defensive structure. But for him, the mission goes beyond simply qualifying for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. He wants the team competing for medals.
“One thing I can guarantee is relentless effort from me and my coaching staff,” he said.
To improve the squad, Fizdale revealed that he is already monitoring between 12 and 15 Nigerian players in the U.S. college system, while also keeping an eye on younger prospects expected to emerge in the 2027–2028 cycle.
According to him, he has spoken with 14 NBA players of Nigerian descent and already secured commitments from two of them. Former NBA player Epe Udo has joined his coaching staff, while NBA forward Chimezi Metu is assisting with recruitment and player evaluations.
Fizdale said opportunities in the team will be based on merit, whether a player is coming from the NBA, Europe or the Nigerian domestic league.
The coach also spoke about plans to visit Nigeria after the team’s Olympic qualifiers in Angola. The visit, expected to last between five and seven days, will focus on youth basketball programmes and connecting with local communities.
“I’m looking forward to meeting young people and seeing the programmes going on there,” he said.
His wife, Natasha, is also expected to join him on the trip.
“She loves Africa,” Fizdale said with a smile. “She told me I wasn’t going to Angola and Nigeria without her.”
The former NBA coach also shared his excitement about trying more Nigerian food, especially jollof rice.
“I’m a foodie,” he joked. “Once I start eating, it might be embarrassing to watch.”
He added that this upcoming trip would only be the beginning of his relationship with Nigeria.
The programme hosts stressed that the priority is the success of the national team, no matter who is in charge.
“When the national team is doing well, that’s what matters most,” they said.
They also promised to continue following the team closely and encouraged fans to share their expectations for D’Tigers moving forward.
Fizdale steps into the role with years of NBA experience behind him. He spent eight years with the Miami Heat, winning two NBA titles and working with stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
After accepting the role, Fizdale revealed that former D’Tigers coach Mike Brown played a key role in persuading him to take charge of the Nigerian national team.
“He brought the opportunity to me, and after several discussions and a lot of back-and-forth, we eventually agreed that I would take on the challenge of helping the team qualify.”
Nigeria’s men’s basketball team has struggled for consistency in recent years, but Fizdale says his focus is on building something lasting, a programme rooted in youth development, discipline and long-term growth.
For now, his message is straightforward: unity, hard work and belief.
