Nigeria has been drawn in a challenging Group E for the next phase of the FIBA Africa Basketball World Cup Qualifiers, where the D’Tigers will face Cameroon, South Sudan, Cabo Verde, Tunisia and Guinea.
The draw sets up a demanding schedule for Nigeria, with their opening game against regional rivals Cameroon on August 27, before taking on South Sudan the following day. The D’Tigers will conclude the three-game qualifying window against Cabo Verde on August 30.
Other fixtures in the group will see Guinea face South Sudan and Tunisia take on Cabo Verde on August 27. On August 28, Cameroon will battle Tunisia, while Cabo Verde will meet Guinea. The final day of action on August 30 features Guinea against Cameroon and Tunisia versus South Sudan.
Nigeria will head into the qualifiers with a favourable record against two of their opening opponents. The D’Tigers have faced Cameroon four times, winning three of those encounters, while they boast a perfect record against South Sudan, having emerged victorious in both previous meetings.
However, Cabo Verde has proved to be a difficult opponent for Nigeria over the years. The two sides have met six times, with Nigeria managing just one victory, making their final group game a crucial test.
With qualification for the FIBA Basketball World Cup at stake, the D’Tigers will be aiming to capitalise on their strong record against Cameroon and South Sudan before attempting to improve their poor head-to-head record against Cabo Verde.
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