Nigeria national basketball team delivered a commanding performance on Sunday in Luanda, Angola, overwhelming Rwanda national basketball team 106–62 in their opening game of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers held at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda.
From the tip-off, the Nigerians imposed their rhythm and never relinquished control.
The D’Tigers set the tone early by opening up a double-digit advantage in the first quarter and steadily widening the gap as each period progressed.
Their pace, defensive pressure, and efficient ball movement ensured the contest remained firmly in their grasp from start to finish, with the final scoreline reflecting a one-sided affair.
Caleb Agada stood out with a well-rounded display, recording 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists in 24:32 minutes.
He also contributed defensively with 4 steals and 1 block, shooting 5-of-7 from the field, including 3-of-5 from three-point range. His impact was further highlighted by a game-high +33 plus/minus and a 25 efficiency rating, as he controlled the tempo on offense while disrupting Rwanda’s rhythm on defense.
Support came strongly from multiple contributors, with Uche Iroegbu scoring 17 points alongside 6 assists and 5 steals. Christian Mekowulu added 13 points and 7 rebounds in limited minutes, while Chimezie Metu posted 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and a block. Ike Iroegbu also contributed 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists in a balanced team effort.
For Rwanda, Prince Twa led the scoring with 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. He produced a brief scoring surge of eight points in 1:52 minutes spanning the end of the third quarter and the start of the fourth, but it was not enough to shift momentum against an already dominant Nigerian side.
