AfroBasket 2025: FG Applauds D’Tigers After Commanding 77–59 Victory Over Madagascar

The Federal Government has extended hearty congratulations to Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, following their emphatic 77–59 win against Madagascar in their opening game at the 2025 AfroBasket tournament in Luanda, Angola.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mrs. Kehinde Ajayi, the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, praised the team’s impressive performance and dedication on the court.

“While watching the match, I remembered your promise to deliver the trophy when I visited your camp before you left. In this match, I saw the commitment, meaning that you have truly matched words with action,” Dikko said.

“With the dedication and zeal you displayed in this game, it is evident that you are truly committed to bringing back the trophy.

“Your quality had never been in doubt. And in this form, it will take something extra to stop you. You have proved to be among the best on the continent in recent years, and you have once more shown your readiness to make the nation proud.”

Dikko urged the team to remain focused and prepare for tougher challenges as the tournament progresses.

“Keep your eyes on the goal. With your performance today, all eyes will be on you. The opponents will come out with greater force, but with your characteristic never-say-die Nigerian spirit, I am sure you will weather all storms and replicate the result your female compatriots D’Tigress recorded at the Women AfroBasket. We are still celebrating their victory, and now you have gotten us salivating once more,” he added.

The NSC Chairman also conveyed the support of President Bola Tinubu, reiterating that the administration is fully behind the team.

“Mr. President has propagated the Renewed Hope and Shared Prosperity agenda that is focus-driven and result-oriented. These past few weeks, we have seen the positive outcomes from sports, and Mr. President is expecting to get his hands on another trophy from you. I want to assure you that the whole nation is solidly behind you.”

Also commending the team’s strong showing, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade said, “We believe in you. Surely the harder the opposition comes in the course of the tournament, the harder they will fall. Just stay focused and never look back.”

D’Tigers are expected to face stiffer competition as the tournament advances, but their opening performance has ignited national hope for another continental triumph.