Nigeria’s Senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers began their 2025 AfroBasket campaign on a positive note as they outclass Madagascar, 77-59 to record their first win in their opening Group B Game.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team were fantastic all through the duration of the match to the delight of the fans gathered at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda, Angola,
D’Tigers had survived an early scare, to secure the win against Southern African giants, Madagascar. Nigeria did all that was necessary topping the first quarter 18-14, dropped the second quarter 23-20.
They were almost tied on points halfway through the showdown, 38-37 when the Madagascar team tried to rally back.
The third period gave pace, direction and a 9-point lead to the West Africans, as they went up 55-46. By the final buzzer D’Tigers had wrestled onto an 18-point lead, 77-59.
2025 Basketball Africa League winner with Al Ahli Tripoli, Caleb Agada recorde the most points for 2015 AfroBasket champions, Nigeria.
He raked in 22 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals for a game-high efficiently of 25.
This is the second meeting between Nigeria and Madagascar in the AfroBasket since 2011, it was D’Tigers again that notched victory with a game-high 22 points from Caleb Agada.
His teammates, Stan Okoye (13 points), team captain Ike Nwamu (12 points) and Kaodirichi Akobundu (10 points) contributed to Nigeria’s victory.
Sitraka Raharimanantoanina’s 20 points was vital for Madagascar but was unfortunately not enough to stop Nigeria’s dominant third quarter brilliance.
Other Malagasy players, who scored in double figures, were Kiady Razanamahenina (13 points) and Mathias M’madi (11 points).
Nigeria were just too good on the day, they played as a team, and if they maintain their group ethic, it will help them going forward in the tournament