Africa-Press – Lesotho. Nigeria’s D’Tigers have finally ended their losing streak at the FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers, securing a hard-fought 75–69 overtime victory against Rwanda in Rades, Tunisia.
The game began poorly for Nigeria, with Rwanda taking control of the first two quarters and leading 27–25 at halftime.
But D’Tigers came alive in the third quarter, outscoring the Wasps 20–9. Rwanda, however, refused to go away—rallying late in the fourth to tie the game 61–61 and force overtime.
In the extra period, Nigeria showed composure, pulling ahead 14–8 to seal the win and bring much-needed relief after back-to-back defeats earlier in the window.
Elsewhere, Guinea continued their brilliant form, upsetting hosts Tunisia 66–57 to maintain their perfect 3–0 record.
It has been a mixed weekend for Nigeria. They lost 88–78 to Tunisia on Friday and 69–55 to Guinea before bouncing back against Rwanda. Rwanda also fell 79–66 to Tunisia.
Despite the shaky start, D’Tigers remain one of Africa’s basketball giants—2015 AfroBasket champions, multiple medalists, and regulars at both the Olympics and World Cup.
Nigeria, currently ranked 65th in the world, have historically dominated Rwanda, including a memorable 108–53 blowout in 2018.
Rwanda, ranked 90th, are still chasing their first-ever World Cup ticket.
Group C Standings after three games:
Guinea lead with a perfect 3–0 and a +35 point difference.
Tunisia follow with 5 points, Nigeria have 4, and Rwanda sit bottom with 3 points.
Action resumes in July. Nigeria will face Tunisia on July 2nd, Guinea on the 3rd, and Rwanda on the 5th.
Rwanda meet Guinea, then Tunisia, before closing the window against Nigeria.
Group C remains wide open.
For More News And Analysis About Lesotho Follow Africa-Press
