Nigeria’s D’Tigers began the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers with a statement 84-81 victory over Tunisia in Luanda, earning an important win that boosts their hopes of reaching the next phase, Trybal News reports.
The encounter lived up to its billing as two of Africa’s basketball heavyweights traded blows throughout the contest. Nigeria edged the opening quarter before Tunisia responded to take a narrow 44-43 lead into halftime. D’Tigers regrouped after the break, regained control in the third quarter and held their nerve in a tense final period to close out the three-point victory.
Nigeria’s overseas-based stars led the charge, with Chimezie Metu and Ike Iroegbu scoring 17 points each. Wes Iwundu added 14 points, while Uche Iroegbu contributed 13 as four D’Tigers players finished in double figures to power the team to victory.
The result also saw D’Tigers reverse the outcome of their previous World Cup qualifying meeting with Tunisia, when the North Africans claimed an 88-78 overtime victory during the opening qualification window in November 2025.
With the victory, Nigeria gains valuable momentum ahead of its remaining fixtures against Rwanda and Guinea as the race for qualification to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 intensifies.
