D’Tigers Defeat Madagascar In AfroBasket 2025 Opener

Nigeria's D'Tigers opened their AfroBasket 2025 campaign with a strong performance, defeating Madagascar in a dominant display at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda. The Tigers took control from the opening tip-off, extending their lead throughout the game with a particularly dominant third quarter.

Guard Caleb Agada led the scoring with 22 points, supported by contributions from veteran forward Stan Okoye and others. Nigeria's superior shooting, converting 48% of field goal attempts, and control of the boards with 40 rebounds, compared to Madagascar's 31, proved decisive.

The win gives Nigeria a strong start in Group B, where they are drawn alongside defending champions Tunisia and 2017 bronze medallists Cameroon. Interim head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman, tasked with guiding the team through the group stage, will look to build on Nigeria's successful AfroBasket history, which includes one gold medal in 2015 and multiple silver and bronze medals.