D’Tigers Beat Ivory Coast, Keeps World Cup Hopes Alive

The Nigeria male basketball team, D’Tigers, on Friday revive their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup after beating group leaders, Ivory Coast, in the first game of the last window qualifier in Luanda.

The Ivoirians, who had already qualified for the World Cup, saw their seven games unbeaten streak came to an end after a final score of 72-63 in favour of the D’Tigers in an entertaining encounter.

Following poor performances in the previous windows, D’Tigers hope of qualifying for the World Cup that will be played in Indonesia, Japan, and  Philippines but victory against Ivory Coast will boost their confidence going into next games.

The home-based dominated team led by Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu started off with intensity against a Ivory Coast team higher in the group standings.

In a very close first quarter, D’Tigers were able to establish the right rhythm to take a one-point lead.

Ivory Coast bounced back to take the second quarter by five points and a four-point lead going to the halftime break.

After the break, D’Tigers were able to impose their style and found their shot from range to outscore Ivory Coast 23-14.

Punch/Samuel Isaiah