D’Tigers Coach David Fizdale Confident Nigeria Can Secure FIBA World Cup Ticket

Nigeria’s national basketball team, D’Tigers, have kept their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup alive after securing a convincing 100-84 victory over Cape Verde in their final game of the fourth qualifying window.

The victory, recorded at the Salle Multidisciplinaire de Radès in Radès, Tunisia, lifted Nigeria’s record to five wins and four defeats in the African qualifiers.

D’Tigers entered the encounter needing a victory to remain firmly in the qualification race after suffering defeats to Cameroon and South Sudan earlier in the campaign.

Nigeria made an impressive start against Cape Verde, establishing a 9-0 advantage before finishing the opening quarter with a 23-9 lead. The team maintained control throughout the second quarter, taking a 52-35 advantage into halftime.

The Nigerians continued their dominance in the third quarter, extending their lead to 76-54 before completing the 100-84 victory in the final period.

Head coach David Fizdale expressed satisfaction with the result, describing the victory as crucial to Nigeria’s qualification ambitions.

Fizdale said the team understood the importance of securing five wins and believed the result had placed D’Tigers in a strong position ahead of the final qualification window.

The coach also praised the team’s improved shooting from beyond the three-point line after struggling offensively in their opening games.

Caleb Agada was Nigeria’s standout performer, finishing with 26 points after converting nine of his 12 field-goal attempts, including eight three-pointers. He also recorded six assists in less than 24 minutes on the court.

Josh Okogie produced an all-round performance with 15 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds and four steals, narrowly missing out on a triple-double.

Chimezie Metu contributed 12 rebounds, six points and four assists, while captain Ike Nwamu added 14 points to the team’s tally.

D’Tigers will now turn their attention to the final qualifying window scheduled for February 2027. Nigeria must continue its strong run to secure one of the available qualification spots for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar.

Under the qualification format, the top two teams from each group, alongside the best third-placed team, will earn places at the World Cup.