Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Oladayo Jonathan
Published on 2024-02-23 22:22:46
The Nigeria senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, put up a spirited display on Friday night in their opening game of the FIBA Afrobasket 2025 qualifiers but unfortunately lost 82-89 to Libya. The participation of D’Tigers was initially uncertain, but a last-minute arrangement saw them arriving in Tunisia just a few hours before their opening match. Despite having only nine players and no opportunity for practice, D’Tigers faced an uphill battle.
Libya took advantage of the situation and raced to a 16-point lead in the first quarter, ending with a score of 25-16 in their favor. Although D’Tigers managed to win the second quarter 19-15, the Libyans maintained a healthy lead going into halftime. The third quarter saw Libya extending their lead by winning 20-15, making it seem like a lost cause for Nigeria. However, D’Tigers fought back in the last quarter, winning 25-15 and tying the game at 75-75, leading to extra time.
In the extra time period, Libya outplayed D’Tigers, winning 14-7 and ultimately taking the game 89-82. Despite the loss, Mike Nuga made a significant contribution to D’Tigers with an impressive 31 points, while Mohamed Sadi played a pivotal role for Libya, almost achieving a quadruple-double with his performance at both ends of the court.
Having come close to victory against Libya under unfavorable circumstances, D’Tigers will be aiming for a positive outcome in their upcoming game against Uganda on Saturday. The team has shown resilience and determination in the face of challenges, and they will look to capitalize on their strengths in the next game.
The game against Libya served as a learning experience for D’Tigers, highlighting areas for improvement and demonstrating the team’s potential. With a strong performance from key players and a fighting spirit on display, D’Tigers have the opportunity to bounce back and secure a win in their next match.
Supporting D’Tigers in their journey requires a collective effort, and fans can show their support by cheering the team on and spreading positivity. Despite the loss, D’Tigers have shown that they have the talent and determination to compete at a high level, and with the right support, they can achieve success in the FIBA Afrobasket qualifiers.
In conclusion, D’Tigers displayed resilience and determination in their game against Libya, and while the result was not in their favor, the team is poised to bounce back and deliver a strong performance in their upcoming matches. With the support of fans and a positive mindset, D’Tigers can overcome challenges and achieve success in the FIBA Afrobasket 2025 qualifiers.
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