D’Tigers Rout Cape Verde 100-84 to Revive World Cup Hopes

Caleb Agada scored 26 points as Nigeria’s D’Tigers defeated Cape Verde 100-84 in Radès, Tunisia, keeping their 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup hopes alive.

Agada shot 9 of 12 from the field, including 8 of 11 from three-point range, as Nigeria led from the opening tip. The team opened with a 9-0 run and finished the first quarter ahead 23-9. Nigeria led 52-35 at halftime and 76-54 after three quarters before Cape Verde narrowed the gap in the final period.

Agada restored Nigeria’s control when Cape Verde threatened a comeback, scoring eight points in the closing minutes on two three-pointers and a two-point basket. He finished with four rebounds and six assists in just under 24 minutes.

Josh Okogie added 15 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. Chimezie Metu collected 12 rebounds and contributed six points, four assists and one steal.

The victory followed Nigeria’s defeats by Cameroon and South Sudan in the qualifying campaign. Nigeria now enters the final qualifying window in February 2027 still seeking a place in the tournament in Qatar. The top two teams in each group and the best third-placed team will qualify, with five African teams due to secure World Cup places.