D’TIGERS were reminded of how tough it is at the 2023 FIBA AfroCan as they lost 57-48 to hosts Angola in Luanda today.
The Nigerians had been given a wild card to the tournament, meant for African national teams featuring only home-based players, but they pulled off an impressive victory in their first game yesterday, beating Mali 62-56.
Favourites Angola were a different kettle of fish though, dominating the West Africans in the first two quarters and holding them off in the second half.
The hosts were ahead 40-21 at the end of the first half and there were genuine fears it could be an ugly blowout for Ogoh Odaudu’s team.
D’Tigers rallied in the second half, winning the third quarter 12-9 and the fourth 15-8 to cut down the final deficit to a respectable nine points.
Just like against Mali, Michael Afuwape was Nigeria’s top performer against Angola, leading the game in scoring with 15 points and rebounds with 10.
Angola were led in scoring by Glofate Buiamba with 13 points, while Wilson Cassav was their top rebounder with eight.
D’Tigers will next face Gabon on Wednesday in the qualification round for the quarter-final spot, while Angola have already booked their spot in the last eight.
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