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Nigeria’s national men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, started their 2025 AfroBasket journey on a high note, defeating Madagascar with 77–59 to secure their first win in the opening match of Group B.
D’Tigers faced an early challenge but ultimately triumphed over Madagascar.
They took an early lead in the first quarter, but dropped the second quarter 23–20. The game remained competitive at 38–37 in the middle stages when Madagascar attempted a comeback. The third quarter was crucial, as Nigeria pulled ahead to a 55–46 advantage. By the end of the game, they had widened this lead to an 18-point win, finishing at 77–59.
Caleb Agada, who was part of the Basketball Africa League 2025 champion team Al Ahli Tripoli, led the scoring for the 2015 AfroBasket winners, contributing 22 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals, which resulted in a game-high efficiency rating of 25.
This was the second time Nigeria and Madagascar faced off at AfroBasket since 2011, with D’Tigers once again winning the matchup, as Agada scored the highest points of the game, with 22 points.
Stan Okoye (13 points), captain Ike Nwamu (12), and Kaodirichi Akobundu (10) were also significant contributors to Nigeria’s victory.
Sitraka Raharimanantoanina led Madagascar with 20 points, but his efforts were insufficient to counter Nigeria’s strong performance in the third quarter.
