Nigeria's D'Tigers defeat Libya 75-70 to stay alive in Afrobasket qualifiers

In their Group B opening game of the second qualifying window, Nigeria's senior basketball team, the D'Tigers, defeated Libya in Tripoli.

The Nigerian team overcame a 15–14 deficit in the first quarter to upset Libya 75–70.

The team is trying to turn the tide and hopes to qualify for the competition scheduled to be hosted in Angola later in the year after failing to win a single match in the first window of the qualifiers in February 2024, endangering their chances of qualifying.

After a 15–14 lead in the first quarter and 20–18 in the second quarter, Libya took the lead, leading 35–32 at the half.

In the third quarter, the D'Tigers outscored their opponents 20–16, and in the fourth quarter, they outscored them 23–19.

Nigeria was led by Caleb Agada, who recorded a double-double with 14 points, a game-high 10 rebounds, six assists, and two steals.

With nine points and nine rebounds, Kaodirichi Akobundi-Ehiogu played close to a double-double.

Ike Nwamu, the captain, finished with a game-high seven assists, six rebounds, and seven points.

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Despite leading Libya with a game-high 23 points and eight rebounds, Basem Albebas's performance was insufficient.

To advance to the Afrobasket competition, Nigeria must win all three of their remaining games in this qualifying window.

Despite the win, the D'Tigers who previously lost to Libya remain at the bottom of the group with a 1-3 record.

They play Uganda on Saturday and Cape Verde on Sunday.