’Tigers forward Al Amin Farouq took to twitter to celebrate Nigeria’s opening match win over Central African Republic at the ongoing Afrobasket Championship in Tunisia on Wednesday.
The Portland Trail Blazers player who had a team-high 15 points during the game was in joyous mood after the encounter, posting pictures of the tie on social media before also adding “happy to be with the national team, we have a real chance to make history” the Kano born player wrote after his team’s flying start.
The 88-63 win over CAR in Rades was a clear statement from the Nigerians that they intend to qualify directly for the 2016 Rio Olympics with the comprehensive triumph over their less-fancied opponents.
Nigeria have always had easy runs against the Central African country, the latest being the quarter-final victory in 2011 and the round of 16 win in 2013.
Even without talismanic power forward Ike Diogu, who was out injured after their last tune-up game last week, D’Tigers were still too much to handle for the Central African Republic. With the exception of Jamal Olasewere, all Nigerian players contributed at least two points.
D’Tigers’ next game comes up on tomorrow against Uganda and will face hosts Tunisia in their last Group A match on Sunday. Nigeria are still seeking their first Afro Basket title despite taking part in 17 tournaments, starting from Senegal ’72’ only coming close by finishing as runners up on three occasions.
