2021 Afrobasket Qualifiers: D’Tigers Edge Out Mali To Complete Successful First Phase Campaign

Ugo Chinedu

4 years ago

Nigeria’s men national basketball team, D’Tigers wrapped up the first phase of the 2021 Afrobasket qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda, in style after making it three wins out of three games on Sunday, November 29, 2020, with a 91-68 points win against fellow West Africans, Mali. Nigeria topped Group D after beating South Sudan in their first game before hosts, Rwanda, followed suit, and victory against Mali confirmed Nigeria’s place as an African basketball powerhouse ahead of the next phase of qualifiers by February 2021. A brilliant display from captain Ike Diogu on Sunday saw him lead the pack after earning 14 points and 5 rebounds.

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The Malians on Sunday were brimming in confidence after winning the first quarter by 16-13 points, but the Nigerians would not entertain any of their efforts towards victory as they lost the second quarter by 26-15 points. Nigeria was not finished yet as the third quarter saw them come out top with 22-20 points, before completing their dominant display on Sunday evening with a 30-17 points lead in the fourth quarter.

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Coach Mike Brown alongside his players head back home with heads held high after a 76-56 points victory over South Sudan in their first game on Thursday, November 26, 83-62 points victory over Rwanda on Saturday, November 28, and 91-68 points win over Mali. Source: This Day Live Featured Image Source: @nbbfonline – Twitter

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