Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, opened their 2025 AfroBasket campaign with a commanding 77–59 win over Madagascar in Luanda, Angola. The 2015 champions made a confident start to their quest for another continental title, edging the first half 38–37 despite a second-quarter push from their opponents.
The Nigerians took control after the break, tightening their defence and improving their ball movement to dominate the third quarter 17–9. They carried that momentum into the final stretch, outscoring Madagascar 22–13 to close out the game in convincing fashion. Caleb Agada led the way with 22 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals, supported by Stan Okoye with 13 points and Ike Nwamu with 12.
Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Bukola Olopade, praised the team’s resilience, noting how their adjustments in the second half disrupted Madagascar’s attack. With this win, D’Tigers will clash against defending champions Tunisia tomorrow, before wrapping up against Cameroon on Sunday.
