Nigeria’s D’Tigers began their 2025 AfroBasket campaign with a 77-59 victory over Madagascar inspired by Força Lleida point guard Caleb Agada who scored 22 points in 22 minutes
Nigeria led 18-14 at the end of the first quarter before taking a narrow 38-37 advantage into halftime. The third quarter saw the D’Tigers stretch their lead to 55-46, setting up a comfortable finish in Tunis.
Stan Okoye added 13 points, Ike Nwamu 12, and Kaodirichi Akobundu 10 for Nigeria.
Caleb Agada in action for the D’tigers during the 2025 Afrobasket opener against Madagascar. Photo Credit: FIBA
Madagascar, making only their fifth AfroBasket appearance, arrived with a record of 17 games played three wins and 14 losses but showed flashes of their trademark fast-paced play and determination.
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Agada, a Nigerian-Canadian guard born in Lafia, Nigeria and raised in Canada, plays for Força Lleida of the Liga ACB.
In May 2025, he was on the roster of Al Ahli Tripoli in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) season, helping them win their first BAL championship.
Caleb Agada playing for Al Ahli Tripoli at 2025 BAL. Photo Credit: X
He was also named to the BAL All-Defensive First Team after averaging 2.3 steals per game.
The D’Tigers, AfroBasket champions in 2015 and four-time silver medallists (1997, 1999, 2003, 2017), also boast three bronze medals (1995, 2005, 2011), underlining their pedigree as one of Africa’s basketball powerhouses.
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Nigeria will face Tunisia in their next group game on Friday as they aim to maintain their winning momentum.
