Pius Ayinor
Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, began their 2025 AfroBasket campaign beating Madagascar 77–59 in their first match in Luanda, Angola, on Wednesday afternoon.
It is a good result but it was a slow start D’Tigers. After four lead changes the Nigerian men won the first quarter 18–14. The match continued in a clutch as Madagascar won the second quarter 23-20 and both sides went for the break with a point lead for Nigeria at 38-37.
When the third quarter began D’Tigers took the momentum and their dominance produced the third quarter report at 17-9 for Nigeria. D’Tigers also won the fourth quarter at 22-13.
Nigeria’s win came largely off their 2pts field goals. Their dominance in the paint gave them 61% success and the gains were affected by their mere 25% shooting success from the 3-point range while their opponents hit 23%. The Madagascar men were better at the charity line scoring 75% of their free throws compared to 50% achieved by the Tigers.
Caleb Agada led both sides with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals and 25% in efficiency. Sitraka Raharimanantoania was the highest scorer for Madagascar with 20 points. Stanley Okoye shot 13 points for Nigeria and Ike Nwamu hit 12 points.
D’Tigers will face defending champions Tunisia on Friday and conclude their Group B fixtures against Cameroon on Sunday.
Extrasportnigeria 
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