D’TIGERS began their AfroCan quest in Angola today with a tight victory over Mali in Luanda.
The Nigerians survived a late rally from their West African rivals to prevail 62-56 in the opening Group B encounter.
The AfroCan is a men’s basketball tournament for African national teams made up of players featuring in their domestic leagues.
D’Tigers made an aggressive start and raced to a 20-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Mali cut the deficit by three points in the second quarter but Nigeria stayed ahead by nine points at the end of a tight third quarter.
Nigeria then held Mali off in the final quarter, restricting them to 17-14 as Ogoh Odaudu’s men claimed a six-point victory.
Michael Afuwape scored a game-high 16 points to lead D’Tigers to victory, while Benke Diarouma top scored for Mali with 11 points.
Victor Anthony led the game in rebounds with an impressive 12, while Afuwape had the most assists with five.
D’Tigers next face hosts and favourites Angola tomorrow.
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