D’Tigers defeat Tunisia 84-81 in World Cup qualifiers

n n

Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, on Thursday defeated Tunisia 84-81 in a crucial Group C match of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers in Luanda, Angola.

n

The victory marked a winning start for newly appointed head coach, David Fizdale, who took charge of his first competitive game with the team.

n

D’Tigers made a strong start, edging Tunisia 23-21 in the first quarter before the North Africans responded to claim the second quarter 23-20, leaving the teams level at halftime.

n

Nigeria regained control in the third quarter, winning it 21-19, and held their nerve in the final period with a 20-18 advantage to seal the hard-fought 84-81 victory.

n

The victory has significantly boosted the team’s chances of progressing in the race for a place at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar.

n

D’Tigers will return to action on Friday against Guinea before concluding the qualifying window against Rwanda on Sunday, with victories in both matches expected to further strengthen their qualification hopes.

n

(NAN)

n n