Kida Urges D’Tigers to Stay Focused Ahead of Tunisia Showdown
President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, has called on the D’Tigers to remain humble and focused as they prepare for a crucial AfroBasket Group B clash against Tunisia. His message comes on the heels of Nigeria’s convincing 77–59 victory over Madagascar in their opening game of the tournament.
Kida, who praised the team’s strong start, reminded the players that every match brings a fresh challenge. “As you prepare to face Tunisia on Friday, I urge you to stay grounded, maintain your intensity, and play with the same teamwork and discipline that gave us the first win,” he said. “This is an opportunity to show the world the resilience, excellence, and pride Nigeria stands for.”
Against Madagascar, Nigeria delivered a dominant performance. The game remained tight in the first half, with the D’Tigers holding a slim 38–37 lead, but they pulled away in the second half with sharp defense and fluid attacking play. Caleb Agada led the scoring with 22 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals. Stan Okoye contributed 13 points, while Ike Nwamu scored 12.
Tunisia, two-time AfroBasket champions and Nigeria’s opponents in the 2017 final, are expected to pose a significant test despite losing their opening game to Cameroon. Historically, Nigeria has had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning four of the last six encounters, including a group-stage victory in 2021.
Statistically, the D’Tigers also lead in key performance areas heading into Friday’s game. They are averaging 77 points per game compared to Tunisia’s 65, with better numbers in rebounds (43–41), assists (16–12), and two-point shooting percentage (61.9% to 41.3%). Nigeria also holds a narrow edge in three-point shooting (25% to 24.1%), while free-throw accuracy is tied at 50%.
The high-stakes clash at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda will be decisive in the battle for Group B supremacy. A win would secure Nigeria a direct ticket to the quarterfinals, while a loss could complicate their path forward. Kida’s emphasis on humility, focus, and discipline underscores the importance of maintaining momentum in the tournament.
