D’Tigers Begin World Cup Qualifiers With Hard-Fought Win Against Tunisia

Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, kicked off their FIBA Group C, first round World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers campaign on a winning note, beating Tunisia 84-81 in a hard-fought contest on Thursday.

Chimezie Metu and Ike Iroegbu led the scoring with 17 points each, while Wes Iwundu contributed with 14 points.

On his part, Uche Iroegbu chipped in 13 points as D’Tigers saw off a resolute Tunisian side to clinch a crucial opening win in the three-game qualifying window.

The match was closely contested throughout, with both teams trading leads in what proved to be a high-intensity encounter.

But D’Tigers ability to execute in key moments and rely on their experienced roster was the difference in the narrow four-point victory.

The win provides D’Tigers with an important boost as they continue their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIBA World Cup.

D’Tigers next Group C fixture is against Guinea billed for Friday, July 3, and they will round off with a tie against Rwanda on July 5.

Also Read: Former NBA Coach Takes Charge Of Nigeria’s D’Tigers

In the first round of the qualifiers, 16 teams are divided into four groups of four teams to play a double round-robin system (home-and-away or two tournaments at a single venue). The three best-placed teams from each group will advance to the second round.

For the second round, 12 teams will be divided into two groups of six teams. Each group will be formed from teams that advanced from the four first round groups.

All results from the previous round will be carried over, and the two best-placed teams from each group and the best third-placed team will qualify for the World Cup.

The 2027 FIBA World Cup tournament will be hosted in Qatar from 27 August to 12 September.

By James Agberebi