D’Tigers of Nigeria beat Rwanda to qualify for next round

By Bayo Olawunmi

Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’ Tigers became the first team to qualify for the second round of the 2021 FIBA Afrobasket Championships in Tunisia, after defeating Rwanda 64-51.

D’ Tigers were outstanding in their performance as they came from losing the first quarter, 14-22 to dominate the rest of the three quarters.

The team recorded 16-9, 14-10 and 20-10 to record their second straight win after defeating South Sudan, 75-70 in their opening game.

Nigeria’s best performers of the day were Keith Omoerah with 13 points and 6 rebounds, Ike Ireogbu with nine points, seven rebounds and one assist.

Abdulmalik Abu also contributed nine points and three rebounds.

Nigeria faces Mali on Feb. 19 in their final group game to decide the group leaders of group D.

Mfon Udofia-led team would be mentally alert to the tactics of the Malians, as they remained the toughest opposition for the D’ Tigers.