D’Tigers of Nigeria began its 2025 FIBA AfroBasket campaign with a 77-59 win against Madagascar in their first group, at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda in Angola on Wednesday.
Nigeria started the game with intensity, taking the first quarter 18-14 to establish early control. Madagascar fought back in the second quarter, outscoring Nigeria 23-20, but D’Tigers held a slim lead at halftime.
The third quarter saw Nigeria pull ahead with a 17-9 advantage and they sealed the victory in the fourth with a 22-13 run.
Caleb Agada emerged as the star for Nigeria, delivering a standout performance with 22 points and 7 rebounds. Stan Okoye contributed 13 points and 5 rebounds, while Koadirichi Nkemjika added 10 points and 6 rebounds.
Nigeria, grouped with Madagascar, Tunisia and Cameroon, now holds a 1-0 record ahead of their second game. They will next face Tunisia on Friday.
Ten years after winning its first AfroBasket title, D’Tigers are on a quest to make it a second triumph on the continent.