D'Tigers Edge Tunisia 84-81 in FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifier Opener
Nigeria's D'Tigers opened their FIBA World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers campaign with an 84-81 victory over Tunisia, marking a successful debut for head coach David Fizdale.
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Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D'Tigers, began their FIBA World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers campaign with an 84-81 victory over Tunisia on Thursday, securing a narrow win in their Group C opener. The hard-fought contest marked the first competitive match under newly appointed head coach David Fizdale, who led the team to a winning start, according to Vanguard News.
Chimezie Metu and Ike Iroegbu each scored 17 points to pace Nigeria’s offensive effort, while Wes Iwundu added 14 points, Complete Sports reported. The performance helped D'Tigers overcome a resilient Tunisian side in a tightly contested game that underscored the competitive balance between two of Africa’s top basketball nations.
The win positions Nigeria favorably in the early stage of the qualifiers, though the margin of victory highlighted room for improvement as the team builds under Fizdale’s leadership. Tunisia, a frequent continental rival, pushed the game to the final minutes, testing Nigeria’s composure under pressure.
With the Group C qualifiers now underway, Nigeria will aim to maintain momentum in upcoming fixtures as they pursue a spot in the 2027 FIBA World Cup. The result marks a positive beginning for Fizdale, whose appointment earlier this year signaled a new chapter for the national team.