Afrobasket: D’Tigers begin campaign with win over Madagascar

By Tosin Omojola –

Nigeria’s men basketball team, the D’Tigers, began their campaign in the 2025 Afrobasket with victory over Madagascar..

In the group B game decided on Wednesday afternoon at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Lunda, in Angola, the Nigerians beat their opponent 77-59 points.

D’Tigers began the contest brightly, taking the first quarter 18–14, but Madagascar responded in the second, outscoring D’Tigers 23–20. Despite the rally, Nigeria held a narrow 38–37 lead at halftime.

Caleb Agada led Nigeria’s first-half scoring with 13 points, while Madagascar’s Sitraka Raharimanantoanina kept his side in the contest with 11 points before the break.

D’Tigers stepped up both offensively and defensively in the third quarter, outscoring their opponents 17–9 to take a nine-point cushion into the final period. Kiady Razanamahenina was the standout for Madagascar in that stretch, scoring eight of their nine points.

The Mohammed Abdulrahman tutored lads started the fourth quarter with a seven-point lead, extending their lead and putting Madagascar firmly on the back foot before taking the period 22–13 to seal an emphatic 18-point victory.

Nigeria’s next match is against defending champions Tunisia on Friday.