Chijioke Gabriel
Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, delivered a commanding performance on Friday, defeating defending champions Tunisia 87–66 in the ongoing Afrobasket for Men tournament in Angola.
The victory sends a strong message to rivals and boosts Nigeria’s chances of advancing deep into the competition. D’Tigers dominated from the start, combining sharp perimeter shooting with aggressive defense that disrupted Tunisia’s offensive rhythm. By halftime, Nigeria had already built a comfortable lead, which they extended in the second half through fast breaks and precise ball movement.
This win is particularly significant as Tunisia entered the tournament as favorites, having lifted the trophy in the last edition. D’Tigers’ triumph not only boosts team morale but also positions them as serious contenders for the 2025 title.
The tournament continues in Luanda, with Nigeria set to face their next group opponents in a bid to maintain their unbeaten run and secure a top seeding for the knockout stages.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has risen to 8th in the latest FIBA Women’s World Rankings, propelled by their historic performance at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan.
This marks a significant leap from their previous 11th position, solidifying their status as Africa’s basketball powerhouse.
Announced on Thursday, the updated rankings reflect Nigeria’s climb of three spots to 8th with 640.1 points, making them the only African team ever to break into the global top 10.
Their dominant 78–64 victory over opponents in the AfroBasket final secured their seventh title and extended their unbeaten streak to 29 games since 2015.