D’Tigers Stun Guinea 80-79, Qualify for Final Window of 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifier with a Game to Spare
Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, produced another spirited display on Friday, edging Guinea 80-79 in a thrilling 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifier in Luanda, Angola, to seal a place in the second round with one game to spare.
Fresh from an impressive 84-81 victory over Tunisia, the Nigerian side made it back-to-back wins in the qualifying window while ending Guinea’s unbeaten run.
D’Tigers started brightly, taking the first quarter 23-17 before both teams scored 23 points each in the second quarter to hand Nigeria a 46-40 halftime lead.
Guinea came out stronger after the interval, dominating the third quarter 28-16 to overturn the deficit and take control of the contest.
However, David Fizdale’s men responded with composure and determination, tightening up defensively in the closing minutes to outscore Guinea 18-11 in the fourth quarter and snatch a dramatic one-point victory.
Caleb Agada once again inspired D’Tigers with a game-high 22 points, while adding three rebounds and four steals.
Uche Iroegbu contributed 14 points, and Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu chipped in with 10 points to help Nigeria complete the comeback.
Guinea fought bravely through Sekou Doumbouya, who finished with 23 points, while Shannon Evans and Souleymane Jr. each scored 18 points, but their efforts were not enough to prevent their first defeat of the qualifiers.
The victory lifts D’Tigers into the second round, the final window of the African qualifiers and strengthens their bid to secure a place at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
With consecutive victories over Tunisia and Guinea, Nigeria has regained momentum and will head into its final group game full of confidence as the race for a World Cup ticket continues.
