Afrobasket qualifiers: D’Tigers lose all three games as first phase ends

Nigeria’s D’Tigers lost 78-62 to Cape Verde in their third game of the qualification tournament for the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket. 

D’Tigers struggled throughout the match at the Mohamed-Mzali Sports Hall, Monastir, Tunisia, on Sunday.

The defeat was Nigeria’s third consecutive defeat of the qualification tourney after losing the previous games against Libya and Uganda.

Like the earlier two games, only nine players from the 12 names on D’Tigers’ roster were available for the match against Cape Verde.

But the team showed little concern about its depleted ranks early in the game, winning the first quarter 24-16.

However, it was all Cape Verde in the second quarter as they overtook Nigeria and led 39-33 at halftime.

D’Tigers struggled extended into the third quarter as the Cape Verdeans refused to relinquish their control of the game.

In the final quarter, Cape Verde secured a 16-point victory as the first window of the qualification came to a close.

D’Tigers would need an improved performance when the second phase of the qualifiers commences in February 2025.

The group’s top three teams will qualify for the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket.

Nigeria’s preparation for the recently concluded window was plagued with controversies as D’Tigers announced its withdrawal from the qualifiers on Wednesday.

The team cited “lack of funds from the government” as the hindrance, but John Enoh, minister of sports, intervened, and arrangements were made to ensure Nigeria’s participation.

D’Tigers did not arrive in Tunisia for the competition until a few hours before their first game.