D'Tigers roar back to beat Cape Verde, keep World Cup hopes alive
Nigeria’s D’Tigers have kept their hopes of reaching the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup alive after cruising past Cape Verde 100-84 in their final game of the fourth qualifying window in Radès, Tunisia, on Sunday.
The victory was exactly the response Nigeria needed after back-to-back defeats to Cameroon, and South Sudan had put their qualification campaign under pressure.
From the opening tip, D’Tigers played with purpose and quickly established their authority. Nigeria raced into a 23-9 lead by the end of the first quarter, setting the tone for what would become a commanding performance.
Cape Verde improved in the second quarter and showed more attacking intent, but Nigeria remained firmly in control. D’Tigers won the period 29-26 to head into halftime with a comfortable 52-35 advantage.
There was little sign of a comeback after the break as Nigeria continued to dictate the tempo. Another 24 points in the third quarter, while holding Cape Verde to 19, stretched the lead to 22 points at 76-54.
Cape Verde refused to go down quietly, producing their best offensive display in the final quarter and outscoring Nigeria 30-24.
But the damage had already been done.
D’Tigers had built a big enough cushion to withstand the late surge and eventually wrapped up a convincing 100-84 victory.
The win moves Nigeria to 14 points from nine games, with a 5-4 record, leaving them fourth in Group E.
Cameroon currently lead the group with 16 points, followed by Guinea on 15. South Sudan are third on 14 points, level with Nigeria but ahead of D’Tigers on the standings.
That leaves Nigeria with little margin for error, but their qualification hopes remain very much alive.
Under the African qualification format, the top two teams from Group E and the top two from Group F will qualify automatically for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The final African ticket will go to the best third-placed team across the two groups.
For D’Tigers, the equation is therefore simple: finish strongly enough to break into the top two or put themselves in the best possible position to claim the third-place ticket.
Nigeria’s fate will be decided in the fifth and final qualifying window, scheduled for February 25 to 28, 2027.
The victory over Cape Verde provides a muDch-needed boost and gives the team valuable momentum heading into the decisive stage of the campaign.
There is now a lengthy preparation period ahead, but the challenge awaiting D’Tigers is clear.
Win all three games in the final window, climb into the top two, or finish as the best third-placed team across Groups E and F.
For Nigeria, the road to Qatar 2027 is still open.
The final window could determine whether D’Tigers roar their way back to the biggest stage in world basketball, or watch the World Cup from home.
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