Olympics
Exclusive: D’Tigers: TK Edogi Highlights Factors Hindering Nigeria Basketball Success
Nigerian basketball star TK Edogi shares insights on D’Tigers' struggles, pointing to leadership issues impacting performance. He also discusses his impressive season with Chartres in France’s Pro B league.
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France-based basketball star Tarekeyi Edogi, popularly called TK Edogi has attributed Nigeria men’s basketball team, D’Tigers struggles to leadership and organisation problem.
Edogi, born in the USA, has been a Nigeria international since he first featured for D’Tigers at the 2018 Peak Invitational Tournament in China.
The 30-year-old expressed worry about D’Tigers’ struggle to dominate Africa just like their female counterpart, D’Tigress who are reigning Women’s Afrobasket champions and Olympics record holders on the continent.
Nigeria’s men are in danger of missing the 2025 AfroBasket after losing their first three matches in Group B of the qualifiers against Libya, Uganda and Cape Verde.
Edogi told SportsBoom.com: “When it comes to Nigeria national team, it is a combination of various factors. First, it starts with leadership and organization then it trickles down to coaches and players who need to work together and be humble.
“The problem starts from the top because if we players feel like we are distracted with stuffs we shouldn't be distracted with as players, it is hard to focus on what we have to do if everything is not organised the way we professional players see things work in professional clubs.
My advice to every young Nigerian who wants to play the game is that people always see the reward but at first, you have to fall in love with the process, you can't skip steps. The earlier they start, the better because they have to put in the work and make sacrifices.
TK Edogi
TK Edogi the Shining Light at Chartres
Edogi has been in impressive form for Chartres in the French Pro B this season alongside countryman, Emmanuel Omogbo amid their struggle for results.
He was only signed as back-up for injured team leader Gavin Kensmil but he has proven to be an asset, rising to the occasion as Chartres sought promotion to the top-flight. Edogi averages 13.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.3 free throws in 27.3 minutes played across 11 matches so far.
The University of Tulsa graduate, however, admitted that the basketball in United States is more competitive and more physical than the leagues in Europe.
Edogi said: “The NBA is quite competitive and physical with high IQ and entertainment. People do the little things here really good, and it makes the game flow a lot better.
“When I was younger I had plans to play in the NBA but that ship is long sailed and I’m just trying to play at the highest level in the best situation that suits me.”
The 30-year-old has had quite a nomadic career in Europe, playing in Belgium, Israel, Turkey, Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Estonia.
I’m Taiye Taiwo, an experienced sports journalists in Nigeria with focus on Nigeria sports, African sports & athletes and creating SEO contents for betting sites and blogs. I boast of mentions in several international English online platforms and my works have also been translated into French and Turkish.