Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, began their 2025 AfroBasket campaign on a winning note, overpowering Madagascar 77–59 in Luanda, Angola, on Wednesday afternoon.
The 2015 champions made their intent clear from the tip-off, edging the first quarter 18–14. Madagascar responded in the second quarter, taking it 23–20, but Nigeria still held a slim 38–37 advantage at halftime.
After the break, D’Tigers tightened up defensively and moved the ball with purpose. Their dominance showed in the third quarter, which they claimed 17–9, before closing the contest in emphatic style with a 22–13 run in the final quarter.
Caleb Agada was the standout performer, posting 22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. Stan Okoye contributed 13 points, while Ike Nwamu added 12, with the trio’s experience proving vital in Nigeria’s second-half surge.
With the opening win secured, D’Tigers now turn their attention to defending champions Tunisia, who they face on Friday, before wrapping up their group stage against Cameroon on Sunday.