Nigeria’s D’Tigers began their 2025 AfroBasket Group B journey on a winning note with a 77-59 victory over Madagascar on Wednesday afternoon at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda.
This was only the second AfroBasket meeting between the two sides since 2011, and once again, Nigeria emerged victorious. Caleb Agada led the scoring with a game-high 22 points, while Stan Okoye (13 points), captain Ike Nwamu (12 points), and Kaodirichi Akobundu (10 points) also played key roles in the win.
For Madagascar, Sitraka Raharimanantoanina was the standout performer with 20 points, supported by Kiady Razanamahenina (13 points) and Mathias M’madi (11 points), but they struggled to cope with Nigeria’s dominance in the third quarter.
The first half was closely contested, with both teams trading baskets and testing each other’s defence. By halftime, Agada had 13 points and was effective both attacking the rim and using his midrange game, shooting 6-for-11 from the field. Raharimanantoanina, meanwhile, troubled Nigeria with his size and versatility, going 4-for-6 inside and even knocking down a three-pointer early in the game.
Nigeria edged the second quarter to lead 38-37 at the break, thanks to a buzzer-beating put-back dunk from Akobundu off a missed Agada three-point attempt.
The D’Tigers will now look to build on this positive start as they continue their push for AfroBasket glory.
