Basketball

Nigeria D’Tigers Unleash Fury, Crushes Tunisia In Afrobasket Showdown

Published

2 months ago

August 15, 2025

Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, maintained their unbeaten start to the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Championship in Angola with a commanding 87–66 victory over defending champions, Tunisia in their second group stage encounter.

The Nigerians came out firing from tip-off, producing a high-energy first quarter that left their North African opponents chasing shadows.

A flurry of fast breaks, accurate perimeter shooting, and tight defensive work saw D’Tigers take a 29–16 lead after 10 minutes of action.

In the second quarter, the boys in green and white continued to dictate the tempo, at one point opening up a 20-point gap. Tunisia responded with a brief scoring run towards the end of the half, but Nigeria still held a solid 48–33 advantage going into the break.

The star of the show at halftime was Josh Okogie, who had already dropped 19 points, displaying the poise and skill that have made him an NBA star.

The third quarter proved decisive as D’Tigers outscored Tunisia 20–14, widening the gap to 68–47. Okogie, in unstoppable form, dazzled with his guard and shooting skills, taking his tally to 27 points before the start of the final quarter.

Although the last quarter ended evenly at 19–19, Nigeria’s dominance in the earlier stages ensured there was no way back for Tunisia.

Okogie capped off his stellar performance with 33 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists, receiving loud acclaim from the fans in Luanda for his leadership and offensive masterclass.

This result marks back-to-back victories for D’Tigers, keeping them firmly in contention for the knockout stages and signaling their intent to challenge for the championship crown.

The team will now turn their focus to their next group game against Cameroon, where they will look to maintain their winning momentum on Sunday.

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Basketball

Nigeria @ 65: Igoche Mark Pays Homage to Nigerian Athletes for Contributions

Published

4 days ago

October 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday October 1, Basketball Promoter and Initiator of Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Mr. Igoche Mark, has commended the country’s athletes for their outstanding contributions.

In a heartfelt message, Mr. Mark praised active and retired athletes for consistently putting Nigeria on the global map through their dedication, hard work, and achievements. “Your dedication, hard work, and achievements have not only brought us pride but have also inspired a generation of Nigerians,” he stated.

The Sports Administrator urged the National Sports Commission to establish a platform to celebrate these athletes and recognize their invaluable contributions to Nigerian sports. He emphasized the need to honour their legacy and provide a framework for their continued involvement in sports after retirement.

To support athletes in transition, Mr. Mark recommended that “retirement plans be implemented to ensure a seamless transition into life after sports. This would enable athletes to plan for their future and maximize their post-athletic careers.”

Furthermore, he proposed a welfare package for retired athletes, including access to healthcare, education, and economic empowerment programs. “By doing so, we can show our appreciation for their service and ensure that they are taken care of,” Mr. Mark added.

As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence anniversary on October 1, with the theme “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” Mr. Mark’s sentiments echo the sentiments of many Nigerians who believe in the importance of recognizing and supporting the country’s athletes.

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