Nigeria’s D’Tigers made a loud statement in Luanda, Angola yesterday that they mean business as they delivered a blowout win over Rwanda, 62-106.
Playing the men from Kigali in the first-round game of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers inside the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda,
D’Tigers seized control early, built a double-digit lead in the opening quarter, and extended the margin in every period.
The final score reflected complete control from start to finish.
Caleb Agada set the tone for the Nigerian senior men’s team with a stellar all-around performance, finishing with 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists in 24:32.
The guard added 4 steals and 1 block, shot 5-of-7 from the field-including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc-and posted a game-high +33 plus/minus and 25 efficiency.
He orchestrated the offence and anchored the defence, putting on a show at both ends.
Uche Iroegbu provided a spark with 17 points, 6 assists, and 5 steals in 26:27, while Christian Mekowulu contributed 13 points and 7 rebounds in just 15:31. Chimezie Metu chipped in 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block, and Ike Iroegbu added 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.
On the other side, Prince Twa led Rwanda with 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, including an 8-point burst in a span of 1:52 spanning the end of the third and start of the fourth quarter.