The D'Tigers did not have an easy ride, facing a resilient Malagasy side that kept the game tight in the first two quarters. Nigeria struggled to find a firm grip on the match initially, with Madagascar matching their intensity and fighting for every possession.
However, the tide turned in the second half, largely thanks to the leadership and experience of Nigeria's veteran players. Caleb Agada led the scoring with an impressive 22 points, while Stan Okoye added 13 points and Ike Nwamu contributed 12 points. Their combined efforts rallied the team, allowing the D'Tigers to take control in the final two quarters and pull away from their opponents.
The win is a testament to the overall team effort, with every player contributing to the cause. This impressive display sets a positive tone for the rest of their Afrobasket journey and provides a strong platform as they look to build momentum in their upcoming matches.