D’Tigers Crash Out Of 2023 FIBA AfroCan Championship
D’Tigers of Nigeria have crashed out of the 2023 FIBA AfroCan championship after losing 74-72 to defending champions Democratic Republic of Congo in a fierce quarter-final contest, at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luandå in Angola on Thursday.
After suffering a defeat against hosts Angola, D’Tigers bounced back strongly to beat Gabon comfortably on Wednesday and booked a place in the quarter-finals.
However, 2019 champions DR Congo dominated the first quarter and clinched a 31-19 lead. Nigeria claimed the remaining 3 sets 18-14, 17-14 and 18-15. However, it was not enough as the first quarter wide margin gave the Congolese the victory.
Nigeria narrowly lost by a 2-point gap as D’Tigers’ spirited performance fell short as Congo managed to hold off their advances to secure a 74-72 victory.
The coach Ogoh Daodu-led D’Tigers were undone by their sloppy start in the first quarter of the thrilling encounter.
- Read more: FIBA AfroCan: Afuwape Leads D’Tigers To First-Ever Victory
- Read more: AfroCan: D’Tigers Eye Semi-Final Spot
Though Nigeria’s late rally was commendable, it fell short of getting the badly needed victory for D’Tigers in the quarter-final contest at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luandå.
DR of Congo have now progressed to the next round of the ongoing FIBA Afrocan Basketball Championship. D’Tigers are out of contention, but they will be playing in the Classification game 5/8 against Kenya on Friday.
Chidi Nwoke/Jane Iyabode Aluko.
