“We needed that win to stay in the fight”: Fizdale praises D’Tigers’ rout of Cape Verde

Nigeria needed a fifth victory to remain in contention for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and D’Tigers delivered with a 100-84 win over Cape Verde.

The result moved Nigeria’s record to 5-4 after it entered the qualifier at 4-4. With the African campaign entering a decisive phase, coach David Fizdale had told his players that reaching five wins would keep qualification within reach.

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We needed that win to stay in the fight and give ourselves a chance.

“We needed that win to stay in the fight and give ourselves a chance,” Fizdale said. “I told the guys if we get to five wins, we are within striking distance of qualifying in the next window.”

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I told the guys if we get to five wins, we are within striking distance of qualifying in the next window.

Nigeria’s attack finally found its range from beyond the three-point line after a difficult start to the window. Caleb Agada led all scorers with 26 points and added six assists. Josh Okogie finished just short of a triple-double, contributing 15 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds and four steals.

Captain Ike Nwamu scored 14 points, while Efe Obogidi added 11 in the paint. “I was really happy; finally, we made 3s because we just couldn’t make shots the first two games,” Fizdale said. The improved shooting allowed Nigeria to build and maintain its advantage as Cape Verde struggled to match its intensity and scoring output.

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I was really happy; finally, we made 3s because we just couldn’t make shots the first two games.