Nigeria’s D’Tigers kicked off their 2025 FIBA Afrobasket campaign on a winning note, edging Madagascar 77–59 in a tense opener at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda, Angola.
The Nigerians started brightly, taking the first quarter 18–14, but Madagascar responded in the second, outscoring D’Tigers 23–20. Despite the rally, Nigeria held a narrow 38–37 lead at halftime.
Caleb Agada led Nigeria’s first-half scoring with 13 points, while Madagascar’s Sitraka Raharimanantoanina kept his side in the contest with 11 points before the break.
D’Tigers stepped up both offensively and defensively in the third quarter, outscoring their opponents 17–9 to take a nine-point cushion into the final period. Kiady Razanamahenina was the standout for Madagascar in that stretch, scoring eight of their nine points.
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Nigeria opened the fourth quarter with a seven-point unanswered run, extending their lead and putting Madagascar firmly on the back foot before taking the period 22–13 to seal an emphatic 18-point victory.
Caleb Agada earned MVP honors after delivering a game-high 22 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two assists. Veteran Stan Okoye added 13 points, five rebounds, and two steals, while Ike Nwamu contributed 12 points and center Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu chipped in with 10 points in the win.
For Madagascar, Sitraka Raharimanantoanina led the charge with 20 points, Kiady Razanamahenina scored 13, and Mathias M’Madi added 11.
D’Tigers will aim to carry their momentum into their second Group B fixture against defending champions Tunisia.
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