Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, tipped off their FIBA AfroBasket 2025 campaign in style with a commanding 77-59 win over Madagascar on Wednesday in Luanda, Angola.
From the first whistle at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda, Nigeria seized control, taking the opening quarter 18-4 and heading into halftime with a 38-27 lead. They tightened their grip in the third quarter, outscoring Madagascar 20-9, before sealing the game with a strong 22-13 finish.
Sharp shooting was key—D’Tigers hit 48% of their field goals compared to Madagascar’s 35%. They also dominated the boards, pulling down 40 rebounds to their opponents’ 31.
Caleb Agada led the charge with 22 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in just over 25 minutes. Veteran Stan Okoye, part of Nigeria’s 2015 AfroBasket-winning squad, added 13 points and five rebounds, while Ike Nwamu and Talib Zanna made vital plays on both ends.
For Madagascar, Raharimanana scored 20 points, but Nigeria’s depth and experience proved too much to handle.
The victory gives Nigeria an early boost in Group B, where they’ll face defending champions Tunisia on Friday, August 15, and 2017 bronze medallists Cameroon on Sunday, August 17.
Interim head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman, formerly the team’s assistant, now shoulders the task of steering D’Tigers through the group stage.
Nigeria’s AfroBasket track record boasts one gold (2015), four silvers (1997, 1999, 2003, 2017), and three bronzes (1995, 2005, 2011)—and with this start, they’ll be eyeing another podium finish.
