D’Tigers open AfroBasket 2025 with dominant win over Madagascar

Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, dunked off their 2025 AfroBasket campaign in emphatic fashion, overpowering Madagascar 77–59 in Luanda, Angola, on Wednesday afternoon. The victory is a perfect start for the 2015 champions, who are determined to reclaim the continental crown. Both teams began with intensity, but Nigeria edged the first quarter 18–14. Madagascar […]

Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, dunked off their 2025 AfroBasket campaign in emphatic fashion, overpowering Madagascar 77–59 in Luanda, Angola, on Wednesday afternoon.

The victory is a perfect start for the 2015 champions, who are determined to reclaim the continental crown. Both teams began with intensity, but Nigeria edged the first quarter 18–14.

Madagascar responded in the second quarter, narrowly outscoring D’Tigers 23–20, yet the Nigerians carried a slim 38–37 advantage into halftime.

The second half proved decisive. D’Tigers tightened their defense, moved the ball with precision, and shot efficiently, dominating the third quarter 17–9 to create breathing room. They closed the game in style with a 22–13 run in the final quarter, leaving Madagascar with no way back.

Caleb Agada delivered a standout performance, posting 22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. Stan Okoye added 13 points, while Ike Nwamu chipped in with 12, the trio’s experience proving crucial in breaking Madagascar’s resistance.

Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, lauded the team’s resilience, particularly in the third and fourth quarters. He praised their “brave adjustments” that disrupted Madagascar’s offensive flow and showcased the composure of a side chasing gold.

With this win, D’Tigers now turn their attention to a high-stakes battle against defending champions Tunisia on Friday, before wrapping up the group stage against Cameroon on Sunday. Victory in either could further cement their title credentials in Angola.