Nigeria overcome Rwanda to bag first win at FIBA WC Qualifiers
Monday, December 01, 2025
Nigeria’s D’Tigers secured a dramatic 75-69 win over Rwanda on Sunday to finish FIBA World Cup Africa qualifiers in Radès, Tunisia, with a 1-2 record. Photo by FIBA

Yves Murenzi and his Rwanda side concluded the first window of the FIBA World Cup Africa qualifiers without a single win, following shock 75-69 overtime loss to Nigeria on Sunday.

With Rwanda leading by three points (61–58) and just four seconds remaining, Prince Muhizi fouled Morris Udeze, who converted a two-handed dunk followed by a free throw.

Udeze completed his heroic performance with 30 points - the most by any player in Window 1 of the African Qualifiers -10 rebounds and two assists.

His free-throw sent the game to overtime where Nigeria outscored Rwanda 14-8 to secure dramatic win.

Rwanda played without their star player David McCormack, who sat out with a foot injury.

Nigeria closed the first round of Group C with a 1-2 record while Rwanda returned home with 0-3.

Meanwhile, Guinea stunned hosts Tunisia, with a 66–57 victory, reaffirming their progress in African basketball.

Guinea finished Window 1 of the African Qualifiers as the only undefeated team, having won all three of their games.