Nigeria’s D’Tigers kept their hopes of reaching the 2024 FIBA Afrobasket alive with a hard-fought 75-70 win over hosts Libya in their opening game of the second qualifying window at the Grand Hall in Tripoli.
After going down 3-0 in window 2 of the qualifiers in February of 2024 and putting their qualification hopes in jeopardy, the team is looking to turn the tide and hope to qualify for the competition billed to be held in Angola later in the year.
Nigeria rallied from a halftime deficit to defeat Libya 75-70 in their Afrobasket qualifying match. Libya led after the first two quarters, 15-14 and 20-18, taking a 35-32 advantage into halftime. D’Tigers responded strongly after the break, outscoring their opponents 20-16 in the third quarter and 23-19 in the fourth.
Caleb Agada led the charge for Nigeria with a double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing a game-high 10 rebounds. He also contributed six assists and two steals. Talib Zanna added 14 points and seven rebounds, while Zaid Hearst scored 11 points.
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Kaodirichi Akobundi-Ehiogu nearly had a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds. Captain Ike Nwamu contributed seven points, six rebounds, and a game-high seven assists.
Basem Albebas led Libya with a game-high 23 points and eight rebounds, but his performance wasn’t enough. Mohamed Sadi scored 17 points, and Sofian Hamad added 12.
Nigeria must win all three of their remaining games in this qualifying window to have a chance of reaching the Afrobasket tournament.
They face Uganda on Saturday and Cape Verde on Sunday. Uganda defeated Cape Verde 63-60 earlier in the day, making the group competitive. Despite the win, D’Tigers remain at the bottom of the group with a 1-3 record.
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