By Lodu William Odiya
South Sudan’s national men’s basketball team, the Bright Stars, produced another memorable performance after defeating Nigeria 82–79 in a closely contested FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifier in Tunisia on Friday afternoon.
The thrilling victory saw South Sudan overcome one of Africa’s traditional basketball giants in a tense encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Both teams displayed determination and high-quality basketball, but the Bright Stars showed greater composure in the decisive moments to secure the narrow three-point victory.
South Sudan’s players demonstrated strong teamwork, defensive discipline, and attacking efficiency against a Nigerian side known for its rich basketball history and talented players.
The result is another major boost for South Sudanese basketball, which has experienced a remarkable rise in recent years.
The Bright Stars have increasingly established themselves as a serious force on the African and international basketball stage, earning respect through impressive performances against some of the continent’s strongest teams.
Friday’s win over Nigeria further strengthens South Sudan’s growing reputation and is likely to intensify the debate over which nation currently stands at the top of African basketball.
For South Sudanese fans, the victory is another proud moment and a reflection of the progress made by the national team. With the World Cup qualification campaign continuing, the Bright Stars will hope to build on the momentum and maintain their strong form in the remaining matches.
The 82–79 triumph sends a clear message across Africa: South Sudan is no longer an emerging basketball nation but a genuine powerhouse capable of challenging and defeating the continent’s best teams.