Oluwatosin Enesi
Nigeria’s D’Tigers have been defeated 93-87 in the opening game of the 2024 FIBA Olympic pre-qualification tourney.
The Senegalese outscored and upset Nigeria in the topsy-turvy match at the Eko Convention center in Lagos on Monday.
Ogoh Odauda, D’Tigers head coach, named a starting five of Ike Nduga, UC Iroegbu, Daniel Utomi, Chimezie Metu and Micheal Eric.
The Nigerian line-up showed their edge quickly in the game with repeated three-pointers from Metu. D’Tigers led the Senegalese 26-25 at the end of the first quarter
Senegal returned for the second quarter the better side and led 46-44 by halftime.
D’Tigers resumed their control in the third quarter and retook the lead 68-67.
The match spun away from Nigeria in the final quarter as the Senegalese opened a 10-point lead.
A late rally failed to close up the gap for Nigeria as Senegal won the game with a 5-point difference.
Iroegbu led D’Tigers with 24 points followed by Metu with 22 points.
Nigeria is billed to play Mali in their second game of Group B on Tuesday.
The FIBA Olympic pre-qualification tourney is the first round of playoffs for a ticket to the basketball event of the Paris 2024 games.
The competition is being held in five locations across the world.
The winning team of each tournament will advance to the Olympic qualification tournament.
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