D’Tigers beat Cape Verde to revive World Cup qualification hopes
Nigeria’s road to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup is far from done. If anything, D’Tigers are firmly back on track following a dominant 100-84 win over Cape Verde.
The victory lifts Nigeria to 5-4 and keeps them on track to return to the World Cup, with three more qualifying games to play.
“We needed that win to stay in the fight and give ourselves a chance. I told the guys if we get to five wins we are within striking distance of qualifying in the next window,” Nigeria’s coach David Fizdale said.
Caleb Agada netted 26 points, going 8-for-11 from 3-point range, and made 6 assists. Josh Okogie had a near triple-double, with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists coupled with 4 steals.
Efe Obogidi went 3-for-4 on 3-pointers and perfect on the line for 11 points while skipper Ike Nwamu contributed 14 points.
“I was really happy finally we made 3s because we just couldn't make shots the first two games,” Fizdale said.
Okogie, who was part of the Nigeria team in their last World Cup in 2019, is pleased they are still in the fight to return to the global showpiece despite losing the first two games of the window.
“You never feel good after a loss, but you never play as bad as you think you played and you never play as good as you think you played. I think this team has done a great job this window.
“Obviously 1-2 is not the result we wanted, but at the end of the day we are not completely out of this; we are within striking distance. As long as there is life and just having that Nigerian blood, we can get this thing done,” Okogie said.
