Nigeria’s FIBA World Cup African qualifying game started on a losing note as the former AfroBasket Champions fell 79-71 to outsiders Cape Verde in the opening game in Benguela, Angola.
Returning D’ Tigers captain Ike Diogu led the floor for Nigeria scoring 13 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist same as Keith Omoerah but it was Anderson Correia who had the most points of the day with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in a game that had the quarters ending 18-20, 16-15, 17-20 and 28-16.
Nigeria’s team was hurriedly assembled by the Sports Ministry and is coached by former Nigerian international Julius Nwosu and assisted by Rivers Hoopers Coach Ogoh Odaudu.
The team has seen a return of players like Ben Uzoh, Chris Obekpa and Jeleel Akindele.D’Tigers will face Mali today at in their second match of the 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifier and face Uganda in her last game on Sunday.
