D’Tigers star Stan Okoye has disclosed that the Nigerian men’s basketball team must maintain strict focus for a full 40 minutes in every game to secure their goal of qualifying for the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

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Speaking ahead of Window 4 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers in Rades, Tunisia, Okoye emphasized taking things one game at a time.

Tough Competition

Okoye highlighted difficult upcoming group matches against strong opponents like Cameroon, South Sudan, and Cape Verde.

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As the only remaining member from Nigeria’s 2015 AfroBasket championship team, he noted that resilience, proper conditioning, and staying in the present moment are crucial to extending their four-game winning streak.

Team Mindset

“I think [the key was] just to remain resilient, remain hungry,” Okoye told FIBA.basketball.

“We understand that the goal is further than just one or two games, you know?

“And you have to just keep going through the process. It’s not that anybody here needs the reminder, but you know it’s about reminding everybody how important every game is, every possession, every quarter, every half.

“We have very tough games ahead of us. Cameroon, Cape Verde, South Sudan – they’re very tough, top teams, and talented. So, it’s important for us to be focused for 40 minutes each game in order to achieve our goal.

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“We have to stay in the moment. You know, from the jump ball, from every possession, just focus on the moment and take care of it game by game. Every game is going to be a battle, and these teams are all very, very different.

“South Sudan have a more-or-less American style of basketball play, and they are very talented, very athletic, very tall, and they can shoot the ball very well. Cameroon [are] very strong, bruisers, good guard play, and have a really nice shooter. Very different teams.

“Cape Verde, I’m not sure if Tavares is here this time, but also a completely different dynamic. So, we have to show a different face of ourselves each day, but understand that we have to be our best version” Okoye concluded.

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