The Nigeria national men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, have redeemed their image after defeating Guinea 89-70 in the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers.
Nigeria led 21-13 early as the first quarter ended 24-15. Nigeria continued their dominance with the half time ending 44-35.
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In the third quarter, D’Tigers were on the run with a 26 point lead as it ended 76-50. The Guineans mounted a strong challenge but the Nigerians stood their ground to win the game.
D’Tigers had lost the opening game against Côte d’Ivoire 66-78 struggling in a tough group at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan on Friday after losing each of their opening games in the last three qualifying windows.
The D’Tigers resumed camp for the game against Côte d’Ivoire a week early but could not hold down an early lead against the hosts.
The first quarter ended 14-14 but Côte d’Ivoire took the second quarter 28-22 going to the halftime break with a five-point lead.
Côte d’Ivoire took the third quarter 18-16 stretching their lead to eight.
D’Tigers could not reduce the deficit as Côte d’Ivoire took the fourth quarter 18-14 to wrap up a comfortable 12-point victory.
They face Angola tomorrow as they battle to keep their World Cup qualification hope alive.
The 2023 world cup takes place from 25 August to 10 September in Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with five tickets up for grabs by African teams.
