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

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

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

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

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Nigeria regained control in the third quarter, taking it 21-19, before holding on in the final period with a 20-18 advantage to seal the hard-fought 84-81 victory.

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

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D’Tigers will return to action on Friday against Guinea before concluding the qualifying window against Rwanda on Sunday.

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Victories in both matches would further strengthen Nigeria’s qualification hopes.

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(NAN)

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