World Cup Qualifier: Nigeria Book Second-Round Qualification Following Last-Gasp Win Against Guinea

World Cup Qualifier: Nigeria Book Second-Round Qualification Following Last-Gasp Win Against Guinea

By Our Reporter 

Nigeria's D'Tigers have booked their place in the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers after a thrilling 80-79 victory over Guinea.

In a fiercely contested encounter, Chimezie Metu emerged as the match-winner, producing a decisive late basket that secured a dramatic one-point victory for Nigeria. The result also ended Guinea's unbeaten run in the qualifying campaign.

With the victory, Nigeria advances to the second round of the African qualifiers with one game still to play, underlining the team's determination and resilience in a high-pressure contest.

The game remained closely fought from start to finish, with both sides exchanging momentum throughout. However, when it mattered most, Metu delivered in the closing moments to hand D'Tigers a memorable victory and strengthen their confidence heading into the next phase of the competition.

Full-Time Score:

Nigeria 80-79 Guinea

The win is a significant boost for Nigeria's World Cup qualification ambitions as the D'Tigers continue their quest to secure a place at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027. Carrying valuable momentum into their final first-round fixture, the team will now aim to build on this performance as they prepare for the more demanding second round of the qualifiers.