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

July 2, 2026 8:24 pm

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

(NAN)

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