D’Tigers secured automatic qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after defeating hosts, China, 86-73 in a pulsating FIBA World Cup Classification 17-32 Group M game played in Guangzhou.
Alex Nwora’s side overcame a 21-19 opening quarter loss to win 16-10, 25-20 and 26-22 in the remaining quarter.
The win was D’Tigers third at the World Cup following defeats to Russia and Argentina.
Josh Okogie who recorded 16 points, three assists and five rebounds was unanimously voted as the man of the match while Nnamdi Vincent scored 14 points, two assists, and one rebound.
Nigeria coach Alex Nwora praised his team’s determination and was confident they could make some noise in Tokyo.
“We have a lot of talents but we showed resiliency,” Nwora said in the post-match interview.
“We weren’t going to settle with leaving China with a loss. We’re going to make the necessary preparations now so that we can be very, very good at the Olympics.”
Veteran Ike Diogu believes Nigerian basketball is becoming an emerging force following their feat.
“We feel right now is the golden age for Nigerian basketball and we have a lot of exciting up and coming players,” he said.
“We just want to keep on building and have a good showing in Japan. It feels really good knowing that we are going back to the Olympics.”
Related posts:
D’Tigress qualify for Tokyo 2020 Olympics
NBBF names Michael Brown as D’Tigers coach ahead Olympics in Tokyo
D’Tigers beat Mali in 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifier
FIFA U20: Falconets beat Spain, fail to qualify
D’Tigress beat Mali to qualify for 2018 FIBA W’Cup
Nigeria beat Ghana to qualify for 2019 African U17 Cup of Nations
U-23 AFCON: Nigeria beat Tanzania 2-0 to qualify for next round
D’Tigress beat Mozambique, inches closer to Olympics qualification
