D’Tigers: Nigeria closes in on AfroBasket 2025 qualification with stunning comeback

• D’Tigers moved within one win of AfroBasket 2025 qualification after a dominant 87-67 comeback victory over Uganda in Tripoli
• Caleb Agada led the charge with 20 points, seven assists, and three steals, while Ike Nwamu added 18 points
• A victory against Cape Verde would seal qualification, completing D’Tigers’ incredible comeback from early setbacks

Nigeria’s basketball team D’Tigers moved within touching distance of the AfroBasket 2025 finals after pulling off a remarkable 87-67 comeback victory against Uganda in their second Group B qualifier in Tripoli on Saturday, February 22.

Following their hard-fought 75-70 win over Libya in their opening game, the Nigerian side displayed much grit once again, bouncing back from a halftime deficit to overpower Uganda in a dominant second half.

Uganda started stronger, taking control in the early exchanges and winning both the first and second quarters 16-14 and 18-14, heading into halftime with a 34-28 lead. 

However, the D’Tigers roared back in the third quarter with an improved offensive display, outscoring Uganda 27-25 before delivering a ruthless 32-8 demolition in the final period to seal the commanding 20-point win.

Notably, Caleb Agada once again proved instrumental, leading all scorers with 20 points, while also contributing seven assists and three steals. Ike Nwamu provided a crucial 18-point contribution, and Talib Zanna recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, ensuring Nigeria’s second consecutive victory in the qualifiers.

The win marks a stunning turnaround for D’Tigers, who endured a disastrous first phase of the qualifiers in February, suffering three consecutive defeats that left their hopes of reaching the AfroBasket finals in serious jeopardy. However, with two straight wins in the final qualifying window, Nigeria is now just one victory away from securing their place in Angola for the AfroBasket 2025 tournament in August.

D’Tigers face a crucial challenge against group leaders Cape Verde in an important clash in the next fixture. A win would guarantee Nigeria’s spot at the continental championship, completing an incredible turnaround from their disappointing start to the campaign.

From despair to near triumph, D’Tigers’ resurgence has brought back high hopes among Nigerian basketball fans. It remains to be seen if they can finish the job and punch their ticket to AfroBasket 2025?

Paris Olympics 2024: Wakama of Nigerian D’Tigress named best female basketball coach at tournament

Previously, TheRadar reported that Rena Wakama made a historic impact at the Paris 2024 Olympics by leading Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, to an unprecedented quarter-finals appearance.

This achievement represented the first time any African team, male or female, has reached this stage in Olympic basketball history.