D’Tigers Eye Tinubu’s $100K Reward After Beating Madagascar in Men’s AfroBasket Opening Game

• D’Tigers defeated Madagascar 77–59 in their opening game of the 2025 Men’s AfroBasket
• Caleb Agada led the scoring with 22 points, supported by Stan Okoye and Ike Nwamu
• The Nigerian team has their eyes on a potential $100,000 reward from President Tinubu if they win the tournament

Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, have started their 2025 Men’s AfroBasket campaign in Angola on a bright note, securing a convincing 77–59 win over Madagascar.

Caleb Agada was the star performer, registering 22 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals.

According to The Cable, Veteran Stan Okoye added 13 points, while Ike Nwamu contributed 12 points, with all three providing the leadership needed to close out the win.

The victory not only boosts their confidence but also fuels hopes of a potential $100,000 presidential reward from President Bola Tinubu if they can go all the way to win the tournament.

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Strong start for Nigeria in AfroBasket

The match in Luanda saw Nigeria take early control, winning the first quarter 18–14.

Madagascar fought back in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to just one point at halftime, with D’Tigers leading 38–37.

However, the Nigerians found their rhythm after the break, dominating the third quarter to stretch the lead to 55–46, per Premium Times.

In the final quarter, they tightened their defence and extended the gap, sealing an 18-point victory.

Eyes on the presidential reward

D’Tigers’ impressive start to the tournament has sparked discussions about the presidential rewards recently given to victorious Nigerian teams.

President Tinubu recently awarded the Super Falcons $100,000 each, a house, and national honours for winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Just a week later, he extended the same rewards to the women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, after their historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title.

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Now, D’Tigers could be next in line, if they manage to claim the AfroBasket title for the second time in Nigeria’s history.

Their only title came in 2015, and they have finished as runners-up on three occasions.

The $100,000 reward from President Tinubu is a major motivation for the players, who are keen to etch their names in Nigerian sports history once again.

Tougher challenges ahead for D’Tigers

While the win over Madagascar is a confidence booster, D’Tigers face a tougher test in their next Group B clash against defending champions Tunisia on Friday.

Tunisia have been a dominant force in African basketball, and the game will test Nigeria’s resilience and depth.

The final group match will be against Cameroon on Sunday, with the results of these games determining their path in the knockout stages.

For now, the focus for Nigeria remains on improving team chemistry and keeping the dream of lifting the AfroBasket trophy alive.

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CHAN Eagles lose $100k reward

In a related development, Super Eagles B team have lost the opportunity to get rewarded $100,000 from President Tinubu after crashing out of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).

Legit.ng earlier reported that Captain Junior Nduka has promised Nigerians that the team will fight to bring home the title, but the team failed woefully after losing their first two matches to Senegal and Sudan in the group phase.

Source: Legit.ng