Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, the D’Tigers, began their quest for a second AfroBasket title in emphatic style on Wednesday, defeating Madagascar 77–59 in their Group Stage opener at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda in Angola.
It was a statement performance to kick off the 2025 campaign, ten years after their maiden continental triumph in 2015, and a timely reminder that the West African giants remain one of Africa’s most dangerous sides
Fast Start, Early Jitters
From the tip-off, D’Tigers set the tone with aggressive defense and quick ball movement. Caleb Agada, who would go on to be the night’s standout performer, wasted no time asserting himself—driving to the basket, drawing fouls, and knocking down jumpers with confidence.
Nigeria’s sharp opening earned them an 18–14 lead at the end of the first quarter. Yet, Madagascar—ranked well below the Nigerians in FIBA standings—were not prepared to roll over. They responded with a disciplined second-quarter surge, using tight perimeter defense and fast-break points to outscore Nigeria 23–20. By halftime, the D’Tigers’ lead had been cut to a slim 38–37, a sign that complacency would not be an option.
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Third-Quarter Turnaround
The break appeared to galvanize Nigeria. Coach Ogoh Odaudu made key adjustments, tightening defensive rotations and urging his players to attack the paint more aggressively. The D’Tigers responded with their most disciplined spell of the game in the third quarter.
Anchored by a smothering defense, they held Madagascar to just nine points while pouring in 17 of their own. Agada continued to dominate, but it was the collective effort—Stan Okoye’s perimeter shooting, Koadirichi Nkemjika’s work on the boards, and Ike Nwamu’s hustle plays—that helped Nigeria establish breathing room. Heading into the final period, they led 55–46.
Closing Like Champions
If the first three quarters were a test of patience, the fourth was a display of dominance. Nigeria unleashed a relentless offensive flurry, outscoring Madagascar 22–13 to put the result beyond doubt.
The D’Tigers pushed the tempo, forcing turnovers and punishing their opponents in transition. Defensively, they swarmed the passing lanes, cutting off Madagascar’s rhythm and denying any hope of a late comeback. When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 77–59 in favour of Nigeria—a margin that reflected their second-half control and ability to respond under pressure.
Agada Steals the Show
Caleb Agada was the undisputed star of the night. His 22 points came on a mix of drives, mid-range jumpers, and free throws, while his seven rebounds underscored his all-round impact. More importantly, he delivered when Nigeria needed stability—particularly during Madagascar’s second-quarter fightback.
Okoye chipped in with 13 points and five rebounds, combining veteran poise with clutch shooting. Nwamu contributed 12 points, while Nkemjika’s 10 points and six boards brought valuable balance to the rotation.
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Group B Outlook
The win places Nigeria atop Group B, which also includes Tunisia and Cameroon. The D’Tigers’ next test will be against Tunisia on Friday—a match expected to be far more challenging, given Tunisia’s pedigree and physical style.With a 1–0 start, Nigeria are in strong position to secure a top seeding for the knockout rounds. But as the opening half against Madagascar showed, lapses in intensity can prove costly at this level.
Road to Glory
For Nigeria, the mission is clear: reclaim the AfroBasket title. The depth of the roster, the mix of overseas-based professionals and domestic standouts, and the energy of players like Agada give the D’Tigers the tools to go far in Angola.But the competition is fierce. Defending champions Tunisia, perennial threats Angola, and an emerging South Sudan side are all eyeing the trophy.
For now, however, Nigeria can celebrate a winning start. Against Madagascar, they showed flashes of the dominance that made them continental champions in 2015—and if they can maintain that trajectory, AfroBasket 2025 could be the year the D’Tigers roar again.