AfroBasket 2025: Kida fires up D’Tigers for Tunisia showdown

Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) President, Ahmadu Musa Kida, has thrown down the gauntlet to D’Tigers, urging them to “stay hungry, humble and relentless” as they gear up for a crucial AfroBasket Group B clash against arch-rivals Tunisia.

Fresh off a statement 77–59 victory over Madagascar, Kida warned that the job is far from done.

“As you prepare to face Tunisia on Friday, I urge you to remain focused, stay humble, and play with the same intensity and teamwork that brought us this first win,” Kida charged. “Every game is a new challenge, and every challenge is an opportunity to show the world what Nigeria stands for—resilience, excellence, and pride.”

The opener showcased D’Tigers’ firepower and zeal. After crushing Madagascar 38–37 at halftime, Nigeria exploded in the second half with suffocating defense and fluid offense. Caleb Agada lit up the scoreboard with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals, while Stan Okoye and Ike Nwamu added 13 and 12 points respectively to bury the islanders.

Now, the stakes are even higher. Tunisia, who are a two-time AfroBasket champions and Nigeria’s conquerors in the 2017 final will be desperate to bounce back after a shocking loss to Cameroon. But Nigeria holds the psychological edge, having won four of their six AfroBasket meetings, including a group-stage triumph in 2021.

The numbers favor D’Tigers: averaging 77 points to Tunisia’s 65, leading in rebounds (43–41), assists (16–12), and two-point shooting (61.9% vs 41.3%). With both sides level from the free-throw line (50%), Nigeria also edges slightly in three-point accuracy (25% vs 24.1%).

Friday’s clash at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda will be a a battle for supremacy and a direct ticket to the quarterfinals.