Nigeria’s D’Tigers have won their first match of the 2027 FIBA World Cup African qualifying campaign. D’Tigers defeated the Rwandan national basketball team 75–69 after overtime in Radès, Tunisia.
The game got off to a rocky start for Nigeria. Rwanda surged ahead early, taking the first quarter 21–12. By halftime, the D’Tigers had trimmed the deficit to 27–25.
Nigeria shifted the momentum in the third quarter. They outscored Rwanda 20–9 to take a 45–36 lead. However, Rwanda fought back in the fourth quarter to tie the game 61–61 and force overtime.
In the extra period, Nigeria dominated, outscoring Rwanda 14–8. Their defence tightened, and timely scoring pushed them ahead for good, handing them their first win of the qualifying window.
Standout guard Morris Udeze led the offensive effort for Nigeria with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists; the highest total by any player across the first qualification window.
Coach Mohammed Abdulrahman praised the resolve shown in overtime. “If Udeze was not here, I don’t know where we would have been,” he said. “He embraced the role. Every time he is on the floor, he gives everything he’s got.” With this result, Nigeria moves to 1-2 in Group C.
Leave a comment