Following David Fizdale’s appointment as head coach, four National Basketball Association players reportedly indicated their willingness to represent D’Tigers, giving Nigeria a significant boost in its goal to put together a strong basketball team ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Prior to leading Nigeria’s men’s national team, Fizdale, a former NBA head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks, most recently served as an assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns from 2023 to 2025.
Aaron Nesmith has already committed to playing for Nigeria in the upcoming international basketball window, according to basketball journalist and scout Coach Hova.
“Sources close to me have confirmed that Aaron Nesmith has committed to representing the D’Tigers in the upcoming international basketball window,” he said on X, confirming the situation.Before entering Indiana in 2022, the forward for the Indiana Pacers was chosen by the Boston Celtics with the 14th overall choice in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Prior to the 2028 Olympics, Hova also revealed that Desmond Bane had started the process of switching to Nigeria.
In preparation for the 2028 Olympics, Desmond Bane is dedicated and has already begun the process of switching to represent the D’Tigers, he said.The Hova claims that Bane has also played a significant role in motivating NBA players of Nigerian descent, including as Nesmith, to participate in the national team initiative.
In a January 2026 BBC interview, Bane himself officially expressed his desire to represent Nigeria earlier this year.
The guard for the Orlando Magic clarified that he intended to assist in assembling elite Nigerian athletes for a significant Olympic challenge.
Bane stated, “We just need to get all the Nigerians together for the Olympics coming up in the next couple years and make something happen.”
Additionally, he acknowledged that he had already discussed joining the D’Tigers with other players.
He said, “I would speak with Aaron Nesmith.”
Gabe Vincent and I also had a brief conversation about it. We must act. Meanwhile, Onyeka Okongwu is still keen to represent Nigeria under Fizdale, according to journalist Kehinde Bamidele.
“Okongwu remains interested in representing D’Tigers of Nigeria under new head coach David Fizdale,” he said.
Due to short notice, the Atlanta Hawks center previously missed out on a possible invitation; nevertheless, negotiations are reportedly still in progress ahead of the July international window.
Ayo Dosunmu has not yet committed to Nigeria, despite the new coaching staff’s best efforts to persuade him, according to Bamidele.
Bamidele noted, “Ayo Dosunmu has not yet committed to D’Tigers of Nigeria.”
“Fizdale is aware that persuading the Wolves guard to play for Nigeria will be one of his top priorities.”
The guard won gold at the 2018 FIBA U18 Americas Championship while representing the US at the young level, therefore any transfer might require further approval.
As D’Tigers coach, Fizdale has previously stated that getting Nigeria into the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles continues to be his top goal.
Leading Nigeria to the Olympics in his birthplace would be a career-defining accomplishment, Fizdale told ESPN following his hiring by the Nigeria Basketball Federation on Saturday.
Nigeria has competed in the London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, but they are still seeking their first international basketball medal.
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