By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria’s D’Tigers capped a remarkable qualifying window with a commanding 106-62 victory over Rwanda to complete a flawless 3-0 run and book their place in the second round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers.
The Nigerians delivered their most convincing performance of the campaign, dominating from the opening tip-off to race into an early lead before stretching the advantage to 49-29 at halftime.
D’Tigers maintained the intensity after the break, overwhelming Rwanda on both ends of the court to seal a comprehensive 44-point victory.
Uche Iroegbu led the charge with 17 points and seven assists, while Caleb Agada, Ikechukwu Mekowulu and Stan Okoye added 13 points apiece in a well-balanced offensive display.
The emphatic triumph came just 24 hours after David Fizdale’s men showed their resilience in a thrilling 80-79 comeback win over previously unbeaten Guinea.
Trailing by six points entering the final quarter, D’Tigers fought back brilliantly, with Chimezie Metu scoring the decisive basket with three seconds remaining to end Guinea’s unbeaten run and secure Nigeria’s passage to the next phase of the qualifiers. Caleb Agada starred with 22 points, while Uche Iroegbu contributed 14 and Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu added 10.
Nigeria had opened the qualifying window with a hard-fought 84-81 victory over Tunisia, completing a perfect three-game sweep that has reignited the country’s hopes of securing a place at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
