AfroBasket qualifiers: D’Tigers extend streak with win over Rwanda

NIGERIA’S D’Tigers made it five straight wins in the qualifiers for the 2021 men’s AfroBasket with 64-51 victory over Rwanda in Monastir, Tunisia on Thursday.

After the narrow 75-70 over the emerging South Sudan confirmed Nigeria’s ticket for the main tournament on Wednesday, they went head to head with another team they had previously beaten at the November window in Kigali.

This time, Rwanda started brightly as the Nigerians appeared to still be celebrating their qualification.

The East Africans won the first quarter 22-14 but Nigeria won the second quarter 16-9, meaning Rwanda led 31-30 at half-time.

If Rwanda were eyeing a huge upset against the 2015 African champions, that was soon blown away as D’Tigers won the third and fourth quarters 14-10 and 20-10 for an ultimately comfortable win by 13 points.

Kenneth Omoerah led D’Tigers in scoring with 13 points, while Chima Moneke was the top performer with eight points, eight rebounds, one assist and four steals.

Alex Olenga Mpoyo of Rwanda had a game-high 14 points, but Nigeria’s Uche Iroegbu had the most assists with five.

Mali, who beat Rwanda 76-51 on Wednesday, are next up for Nigeria.