D'Tigers
Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, kicked off their 2025 AfroBasket campaign in style, overpowering Madagascar with a commanding 77-59 victory in their opening Group B match.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the team delivered a stellar performance, thrilling fans at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda in Angola.
D’Tigers overcame an early challenge from Madagascar, the Southern African powerhouse, to secure a dominant win. They edged the first quarter 18-14 but faced a tighter contest in the second, dropping it 23-20, leaving the score nearly level at 38-37 by halftime.
However, Nigeria found their rhythm in the third quarter, surging to a 55-46 lead, and sealed the game with an 18-point margin by the final buzzer.
Caleb Agada, the 2025 Basketball Africa League champion with Al Ahli Tripoli, led Nigeria with an impressive 22 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals, earning a game-high efficiency of 25.
“We came out strong and stayed focused. The third quarter was where we took control,” Agada said, reflecting on the team’s performance. This victory marks Nigeria’s second AfroBasket win over Madagascar since 2011, with Agada again topping the scoring with 22 points.
Teammates Stan Okoye (13 points), team captain Ike Nwamu (12 points), and Kaodirichi Akobundu (10 points) also played key roles in the triumph. For Madagascar, Sitraka Raharimanantoanina’s 20 points, alongside Kiady Razanamahenina (13 points) and Mathias M’madi (11 points), weren’t enough to counter Nigeria’s third-quarter dominance.
“Nigeria played with incredible teamwork and intensity. If they keep this up, they’ll be a force in the tournament,” a local analyst told NAN.
D’Tigers’ cohesive performance sets a strong tone for their AfroBasket journey. (NAN)
