The Nigerian men’s basketball team, the D’Tigers, began their road to the Paris 2024 Olympics with a 93-87 loss to Senegal at the Eko Conventional Centre in Lagos on Monday.
The DTigers were up by one after the first quarter, but the Lions of Senegal picked up their pace to win the second quarter 21-18 and head into halftime with a two-point lead. However, Nigeria turned the tables around as they took the third quarter and led by a point heading into the decisive quarter.
Senegal, who are five-time champions of the FIBA African Championship, exerted their dominance in the fourth to beat the Ogoh Odaudu-led team 26-19 and take the game with an eventual six-point lead.
Tough one. Big game against Mali tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/B8GvV7GpLA
— D’Tigers | Nigeria Basketball (@NigeriaBasket) August 14, 2023
Spain-based center Youssou Ndoye led the Senegalese with 15 points, along with 5 rebounds and 2 blocks. The duo of Brancou Badio and Ousmane Ndiaye combined for 28 points and 10 rebounds, with both pouring in 14 points and 5 rebounds each.
Nigeria’s 26-year-old guard Uche Iroegbu led all scorers with 24 points and dished out 5 assists, while D’Tigers captain Chimezie Metu, who plays for National Basketball Association team the Phoenix Suns, finished with a double-double as he poured in 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Nigeria currently sit in second place in Group A with a point; Senegal are atop the standings with 2 points; and Mali are presently bottom without a point, having not played a game yet.
The D’Tigers will suit up against the Malians in the same Arena on Tuesday, August 15 at 6 p.m. WAT, while action will kick off in Group B as Cameroon takes on Guinea on the same day.
