World Cup Qualifier: Nigeria’s Overtime Win Over Rwanda Keeps Hopes Alive

World Cup Qualifier: Nigeria’s Overtime Win Over Rwanda Keeps Hopes Alive

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria’s D’Tigers secured their first victory at the FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers on Sunday night, defeating Rwanda 75–69 in overtime after a tense Group C encounter in Rades, Tunisia, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Rwanda’s Wasps pushed Nigeria to the limit, forcing overtime with a late fourth-quarter surge that tied the game 61–61 at regulation. Despite leading 51–48 with 3:34 left on the clock, Nigeria allowed Rwanda to rally, but responded strongly in the extra period, outscoring their opponents 14–8 to seal the win.

Rwanda dominated the early exchanges, taking the first quarter 21–12 and the second 13–6 to enter halftime with a 27–25 advantage. Nigeria responded with an impressive 20–9 third-quarter performance, but faltered again in the fourth (25–16) before regaining control in overtime.

Earlier in the day, Guinea shocked hosts Tunisia 66–57 in a tightly contested matchup. Guinea won the first quarter 14–9, lost the second 13–16, and rebounded to take both the third (20–17) and fourth (19–15) quarters.

The results continue a dramatic start to the qualifiers. On Friday, Nigeria lost 88–78 to Tunisia after overtime, while Guinea upset Rwanda 82–70. Saturday saw Nigeria fall 69–55 to Guinea, and Rwanda lose 79–66 to Tunisia.

Nigeria, ranked 65th in the world, had won all three previous meetings against 90th-ranked Rwanda, including decisive victories at AfroBasket qualifiers: 108–53 in 2018, 83–62 in 2020, and 64–51 in 2021.

Despite recent struggles, the former African champions remain one of the continent’s most decorated teams. Nigeria has appeared at the Olympic Games and the FIBA World Cup three times each, though without medaling. D’Tigers have featured in 20 AfroBasket finals, winning gold in 2015, four silver medals, and three bronze medals. They have also made eight African Games appearances, claiming gold in 2011 and five bronze medals.

Rwanda, by contrast, has yet to qualify for the FIBA World Cup. The East African nation made its AfroBasket debut in 2007 and has since featured in six editions, including hosting the 2021 tournament, where they exited in the Round of 16 after losing 72–68 to Guinea. Nigeria also exited in the Round of 16 that year, falling 80–68 to Uganda.

Group C Standings

After three games, Guinea tops Group C with a perfect 3–0 record (217–182, +35). Tunisia sit second with 5 points (224–210, +14), Nigeria are third with 4 points (208–226, –18), while Rwanda remain bottom with 3 points (205–236, –31).

Next Fixtures – July Window

Nigeria will resume their qualification campaign in July, facing Tunisia on July 2, Guinea on July 3, and Rwanda on July 5. Rwanda will play Guinea on July 2, Tunisia on July 3, and Nigeria on July 5 in the same window.