Nigeria’s D’Tigers sent a powerful message at the 2025 FIBA Men’s AfroBasket on Friday, dismantling defending champions Tunisia 87-66 at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda to maintain their perfect start in Angola.

The 2015 champions, who opened their campaign with a 77-59 victory over Madagascar, were relentless from tip-off, dictating the tempo against the three-time winners and sealing back-to-back group stage triumphs.

Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie delivered a masterclass, dropping a game-high 33 points and setting the tone with a thunderous first-quarter performance that included a slam dunk and an and-one finish. His early spark propelled Nigeria to a 29-16 lead after the opening 10 minutes.

By halftime, D’Tigers were in full control at 48-33, with Okogie already on 19 points. Tunisia, reeling from their shock opening defeat to Cameroon, found little respite as Nigeria’s defensive intensity and fast breaks kept them on the back foot.

The momentum never shifted. The Nigerians stretched the gap to 21 points in the third quarter, entering the final stretch 68-47 ahead, and comfortably closed out the contest despite Tunisia’s late push.

The win boosts Nigeria’s quest for a second continental title, 10 years after their historic 2015 success under William Voigt. Ironically, Tunisia’s last AfroBasket loss before this tournament also came against Nigeria in that very edition’s third-place clash.

Missing stalwarts Makram Romdhane (retired) and Radhouane Slimane, the defending champions struggled to match Nigeria’s energy, with Jawhar Jawadi unable to carry the scoring load alone.

D’Tigers now turn their focus to Sunday’s decisive clash with Cameroon, who also sit 2-0 after stunning Tunisia in their opener. The showdown will likely determine Group B’s top spot and set the tone for the knockout rounds.

Having finished runners-up three times in their history, Nigeria look primed to challenge again after this dominant statement against the reigning kings of Africa.