Men’s AfroBasket: Kida Fires Up D’Tigers for Tough Test Against Tunisia
Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) President Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida has thrown down a motivational gauntlet to the D’Tigers as they gear up for their second game of the 2025 FIBA Men’s AfroBasket Championship in Angola.
Fresh off a dominant 77–59 win against Madagascar in their Group B opener, Kida urged the squad to remain grounded and maintain the same intensity and teamwork that secured their initial victory. “As you prepare to face Tunisia today (Friday), I urge you to remain focused, stay humble, and play with the same intensity and teamwork that brought us this first win,” he emphasized. “Every game is a new challenge, and every challenge is an opportunity to show the world what Nigeria stands for—resilience, excellence, and pride.”
Nigeria’s surge in the second half against Madagascar was a showcase of defensive grit and seamless ball movement, turning a slim 38–37 halftime lead into a commanding victory.
Their upcoming opponents, Tunisia, pose a significant threat. The two-time AfroBasket champions last bested Nigeria in the 2017 final (77–65), though Nigeria claimed a group-stage victory over them in 2021. Across six AfroBasket matchups, Nigeria holds a 4–2 edge.
Tunisia arrives with their own challenges, most notably the retirements of Makram Romdhane and veteran Radhouane Slimane, and a loss to Cameroon in their opener adds to their pressure.
Statistically, Nigeria enters the clash with the upper hand:
Points per game: Nigeria 77 vs. Tunisia 65
Rebounds: Nigeria 43 vs. Tunisia 41
Assists: Nigeria 16 vs. Tunisia 12
Two-point shooting: Nigeria 61.9% vs. Tunisia 41.3%
Free-throw accuracy: Both at 50%
Three-point accuracy: Nigeria 25% vs. Tunisia 24.1%
Set to face off at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda, this showdown is pivotal. A win virtually guarantees direct entry into the quarterfinals, while a loss could force a tougher qualifying path.
The Nation Newspaper
With Kida’s rallying cry echoing through the camp and the team riding high on their opening win, D’Tigers aim to build momentum and deliver another performance that embodies the spirit and ambition of Nigerian basketball.