Agada Delivers as D’Tigers Opens AfroBasket With Statement Win

Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, began their 2025 AfroBasket campaign with a convincing 77–59 win over Madagascar.

The match took place at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda on Wednesday afternoon.

Caleb Agada led the team with 22 points. He was supported by Stan Okoye with 13 points, team captain Ike Nwamu with 12 points, and Kaodirichi Akobundu who added 10 points.

The win marks Nigeria’s second AfroBasket victory over Madagascar, following their previous meeting in 2011.

The first half was closely contested. Madagascar’s Sitraka Raharimanantoanina scored 11 of his 20 points in the opening two quarters. Agada responded with 13 points in the first half, using his speed and midrange shooting to keep Nigeria ahead.

The D’Tigers led 38–37 at halftime after Akobundu scored a put-back dunk at the buzzer.

Nigeria took control in the third quarter. Agada scored four quick points, while Akobundu, Okoye, and Talib Zanna added to the lead. Nigeria outscored Madagascar 17–9 in the third quarter. The team’s defense forced turnovers and created fast-break opportunities.

By the fourth quarter, Nigeria had built a comfortable lead. Madagascar struggled to respond, and Nigeria closed out the game with an 18-point margin.

Agada credited teamwork and defense for the win.

‘We stayed together. The first half was not our best, but we came back collectively and decided to be progressive in the second half,’ he said. ‘We got back to our identity, which is rebounding, boxing out and playing defence.’

Nigeria finished the game with 23 made field goals from 54 attempts. They out-rebounded Madagascar 38 to 36. The team scored 13 points off turnovers and received 13 points from the bench.

D’Tigers will look to build on this performance as they continue their Group B campaign in Angola.