D’Tigers Roar in Angola: Nigeria Defeats Tunisia to Go 2–0 at AfroBasket
Under the Luanda lights and the weight of expectation, Nigeria’s D’Tigers produced a masterclass—dismantling defending champions Tunisia 87–66 to cement their status as serious contenders.
From the opening tip, it was all business. A blistering **10–0 run** had Tunisia reeling before they could find their rhythm. “GREAT START FOR US! D’Tigers lead 10–0!!!” the official @NigeriaBasket account fired off, matching the team’s early energy.
### **🔥 Okogie on Fire**
D’Tigers
Houston Rockets guard **Josh Okogie** was unstoppable—dropping **27 points by the third quarter**, capped with a rim-rattling dunk and an and-one that brought the arena to life. “STAR BOY OKOGIE!! He has 27 POINTS!! Nigeria leads 59–39,” the federation posted mid-game.
Okogie was flanked by a starting five—**Caleb Agada, Ike Nwamu, Talib Zanna, Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu**—that combined NBA pedigree with unrelenting defense, smothering a Tunisian squad already rocked by a shock loss to Cameroon.
**🧠 Strategy + Swagger**
Halftime: **43–25**. Third quarter: **68–47**. Tunisia, missing veterans **Makram Romdhane** and **Radhouane Slimane**, never found a way through Nigeria’s defense or to match their scoring tempo.
Nigeria Basketball Federation president **Ahmadu Musa Kida** had set the tone pregame: *“Stay humble, stay hungry, and play with intensity.”* His squad delivered on all fronts.
**📜 Words to Match the Moment**
* 🏀 **Hakeem Olajuwon**: *“Basketball is not just about talent. It’s about heart, discipline, and the will to win.”*
* 🇺🇸 **Kobe Bryant**: *“Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses.”*
* 🇳🇬 **Masai Ujiri**: *“Africa has talent. We just need opportunity and belief.”*
Belief in this Nigerian team now feels inevitable.
### **🌍 A Nation’s Team**
Fans lit up social media with pride. @SuperwomanAisha captured it: *“Nigeria vs Tunisia @ Afrobasket. Let’s go @NigeriaBasket!”*
With a **2–0 Group B record** and a decisive clash against Cameroon on **August 17**, Nigeria sits one win away from a direct quarterfinal berth. The crown they last claimed in 2015 is within reach—and the roar keeps growing.
