The Nigeria male basketball team, D’Tigers, on Friday revive their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup after beating group leaders, Ivory Coast, in the first game of the last window qualifier in Luanda, PUNCH reports.
The Ivoirians, who had already qualified for the World Cup, saw their seven games unbeaten streak came to an end after a final score of 72-63 in favour of the D’Tigers in an entertaining encounter.
Following poor performances in the previous windows, D’Tigers hope of qualifying for the World Cup that will be played in Indonesia, Japan, and Philippines but victory against Ivory Coast will boost their confidence going into next games.
The home-based dominated team led by Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu started off with intensity against a Ivory Coast team higher in the group standings.
In a very close first quarter, D’Tigers were able to establish the right rhythm to take a one-point lead.
Ivory Coast bounced back to take the second quarter by five points and a four-point lead going to the halftime break.
After the break, D’Tigers were able to impose their style and found their shot from range to outscore Ivory Coast 23-14.
D’Tigers took a five-point lead to the final quarter as both sides doubled their defensive effort to enhance their chances of victory.
The team led by Odaudu were able to execute late in the game stopping an early run by Ivory Coast to win the quarter 17-15.
D’Tigers who had ten points before the win move from fourth to third position on the log with Ivory Coast and Angola occupying the first and second positions.
It was an impressive victory for Coach Odaudu and his home-based side missing NBA superstars such as Jordan Nwora of the Indiana Pacers, Josh Okogie of the Phoenix Suns, and Chimezie Metu of the Sacramento Kings.
The team will be gearing to defeat Guinea when they meet today (Saturday) at 2 pm Nigerian time.
In the second round, the top three teams from each group are placed in a group with three other top teams. Group A will be paired with Group C and Group B with Group D. All results from the first qualification round, are carried over to the second round.
The matches in each window will be played in a single venue.
