Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, began their 2025 AfroBasket campaign with an impressive 77–59 win over Madagascar in Luanda, Angola, on Wednesday afternoon.
The 2015 champions started strongly, taking the first quarter 18–14. Madagascar responded in the second quarter, winning it 23–20, but Nigeria still led 38–37 at halftime.
In the second half, D’Tigers stepped up their game with solid defence, quick passing, and accurate shooting. They dominated the third quarter 17–9 and sealed victory with a 22–13 run in the final quarter.
Caleb Agada led the way with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. Stan Okoye scored 13 points, while Ike Nwamu added 12 points, with all three providing vital leadership in key moments.
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised the team’s resilience and composure, especially in the third and fourth quarters when they stopped Madagascar from scoring freely.
D’Tigers will now face defending champions Tunisia on Friday before finishing their group stage against Cameroon on Sunday.