Nigeria’s men’s basketball team D’Tigers wrapped up their 2025 FIBA AfroBasket qualifiers by defeating Cape Verde 77-62 in Tripoli on Sunday to complete a flawless run in the final window.
Already assured of qualification before their last game—following FIBA’s decision to guarantee all Group B teams a spot in the tournament—D’Tigers finished their campaign in style.
After a disappointing second qualifying window, the rejuvenated Nigerian team needed a perfect run in the third window—and they delivered, securing victories over hosts Libya, Uganda, and Cape Verde.
D’Tigers’ qualification journey started on a rough note last year when they lost all three games in the first phase. Determined to bounce back, they embarked on a redemption mission in Libya, beginning with a 75-70 win over the hosts, followed by an emphatic 87-67 victory over Uganda.
With qualification sealed, head coach Abdulrahman Mohammed handed home-based players Ifeanyi Koko and Ibe Abuchi their first minutes of the tournament.
D’Tigers now set their sights on the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket, scheduled for August in Angola. Nigeria’s only AfroBasket title came in 2015, in addition to four silver and three bronze medals.
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