Nigeria bounce back in World Cup qualifiers
Nigeria’s D’Tigers boosted their hopes of reaching the next round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers after beating Tunisia 84-81 on Thursday in Luanda, Angola.
The victory was Nigeria’s second win of the qualifying campaign. It came after the team lost its previous two qualifying games and revived its chances of advancing.
Tunisia had beaten Nigeria 88-78 after overtime during the first qualifying window in November. This time, D’Tigers produced a much stronger display under new head coach David Fizdale.
D’Tigers hold off Tunisia
Nigeria started the game well and won the opening quarter 23-21.
Tunisia fought back by taking the second quarter 23-20, leaving both teams level at halftime.
D’Tigers regained control after the break. They won the third quarter 21-19 before holding off Tunisia in the final period.
Nigeria claimed the last quarter 20-18 to complete an impressive 84-81 victory.
The win moved D’Tigers into third place in Group C with six points. They are level with second-placed Tunisia and trail leaders Guinea by two points.
Focus shifts to Guinea clash
Nigeria will now face Guinea in another crucial qualifier.
A victory would move D’Tigers level on points with the group leaders. It would also improve their chances of reaching the second round.
Fizdale celebrates winning debut
The match marked a successful first game for head coach David Fizdale.
Nigeria appointed the former NBA coach in May to revive the team’s World Cup campaign. He praised his players for showing determination in the closing stages.
“Collective and physical toughness down the stretch won us the game,” Fizdale said.
He also admitted the team still has room to improve.
“We did a lot of things wrong. We made a lot of mistakes that these guys have never made,” he added.
Qualification race remains open
The top three teams in each of the four first-round groups will qualify for the second round.
The next stage will take place between August 2026 and February 2027.
The 12 qualified teams will form two groups of six. They will carry their first-round results into the second phase.
The top two teams in each group will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar. The best third-placed team will also book a place at the tournament.
