DTIGERS
Nigeria’s quest for a second continental crown got off to a flying start with a convincing 77-59 victory over Madagascar in Luanda
Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, opened their 2025 FIBA AfroBasket campaign in style, overpowering Madagascar 77-59 in their first Group B clash at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda, Angola, on Wednesday. Caleb Agada was the standout performer, pouring in a game-high 22 points along with seven rebounds, while veteran forward Stan Okoye added 13 points and five rebounds. Co-captain Ike Nwamu chipped in with 12 points, and Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu contributed 10 to seal the win for the 2015 champions.
The game marked only the second-ever AfroBasket meeting between the two nations, the first being in 2011 when Nigeria triumphed 112-81. Despite Madagascar’s spirited display, particularly in the second quarter where they edged 23-20, D’Tigers’ quality shone through in the second half. Leading by just one point at halftime (38-37), the West Africans tightened their defense, taking the third quarter 17-9 and closing out the contest with a dominant 22-13 final period.
Nigeria’s efficient shooting, 48% from 66 field goal attempts was backed by 43 rebounds, 16 assists, 11 steals, and three blocks. Madagascar, by contrast, managed 33.8% shooting from 65 attempts, grabbed 34 rebounds, and committed 17 turnovers. Sitraka Raharimanantoanina led Madagascar with 20 points, while Kiady Razanamahenina and Mathias M’Madi added 12 and 11 points respectively. D’Tigers will now turn their attention to a tougher assignment, facing defending champions and three-time winners Tunisia in their next Group B encounter on Friday, August 15.
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