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

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.

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 first quarter before the North Africans responded to claim the second quarter 23-20, leaving the teams level at halftime.

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.

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.

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.

(NAN)

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