On Wednesday in Luanda, Angola, the D’Tigers, Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, defeated Madagascar 77-59 to start their FIBA AfroBasket 2025 campaign.
At the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda, D’Tigers took the lead from the first tip of the match. They increased their lead to 38-27 at the break after winning the opening quarter 18–4. The advantage grew after a strong third quarter in which they won 20-9, and they ended the game with a final period score of 22-13.
With Nigeria converting 48% of their field goal attempts compared to 35% for Madagascar, their superior shooting proved to be the deciding factor. In addition, the D’Tigers dominated the boards, grabbing 40 rebounds compared to their opponents’ 31.
With 22 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in just over 25 minutes on the field, guard Caleb Agada led the scoring.
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A member of Nigeria’s 2015 AfroBasket winning squad, veteran forward Stan Okoye scored 13 points and pulled down five rebounds. Talib Zanna and Ike Nwamu both made significant contributions at either end of the floor.
Raharimanana scored 20 points, making him the standout player for Madagascar, but the Nigerians’ depth and experience were too great for him to cause any problems.
Nigeria is paired with reigning champion Tunisia and 2017 bronze winner Cameroon in Group B, and the victory gives them a head start. The D’Tigers will play Cameroon on Sunday, August 17, after playing Tunisia on Friday, August 15.
The team must be led through the group stage by interim head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman, who was formerly the assistant coach.
Nigeria has won three bronzes (1995, 2005, 2011), four silvers (1997, 1999, 2003, 2017), and one gold medal (2015) in its AfroBasket history.
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