As the 2020 Olympic Games draw nearer, the Nigerian men’s basketball team, D’Tigers are beginning to look like genuine contenders at the sporting showpiece.
It is thus not surprising that D’Tigers centre, Jahlil Okafor is confident the big wins against the USA and Argentina is a morale booster for what he and his teammates hope to achieve in Tokyo.
The Detroit Pistons big man made his announcement on the international stage with a bang after missing the game against the USA.
Okafor scored 15points and had 7rebounds on his debut for Nigeria against Nigeria on a night that D’Tigers defeated the number four ranked team 94-71pts.
“It gives all of us the confidence to go out there and perform at a high level just like we did against USA and Argentina.”
Okafor said it has been fun working with a set of talented Nigerians who are keen to daily build something that Nigerians home and abroad will be proud of.
On how he was able to make an impact for the team during the friendly game against Argentina, Okafor said, “My team gives me all the confidence. They tell me to go out there and be aggressive, he myself and have fun.”
“After the big win against USA and against Argentina, the message was to take care of business and avoid any let down”‘ Okafor revealed.
He believes that base on the team spirit which is at an all-time high, the main objective of the players and coaching staff is to win at the Olympics.
Nigeria is grouped alongside Germany, Australia and Italy for the Olympics which will hold between the 25th of July to the 7th of August, 2021.
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