By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria’s chances of picking a World Cup ticket waned after its basketball team, D’Tigers, lost their opening qualifier encounter to Ivory Coast at the 2022 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers at the 3,500-capacity Palais des Sports Treichville in Abidjan.
The game was the third meeting between the two countires.
D’Tigres lost 66-78 to Ivory Cost after an imposing performance from Vefessa Fofana who led the game in scoring with 25 points while D’Tigres’ Josh Okogie recorded 23 points.
The victory over Nigeria meant that Cote d’Ivoire remain unblemished in the qualifiers so far in group E.
After the game, D’Tigers’ guard, Josh Okogie, said, “Scoring 23 points in this game to me is not what I came for. It’s not personal for me especially when my team lost. My goal coming to Cote d’Ivoire is to give my best in helping Nigeria win. That has not happened but I will do my best to contribute more for Nigeria to get better in our other games.”
On his part, Nigeria’s Coach Mfon Udofia said, “Cote d’Ivoire right now is outstanding in this qualifiers and they were good tonight but 21 turnover on our part really hurt us in the game. However, we will do some clean up and better our game given the fact that this particular unit are playing together for the first time.”
In the other group E match, Guinea lost 48-65 to Cape Verde, then Angola was victorious over Uganda with 85 – 62 scoreline.
In one of the big game on Friday in Monastir, a fearless and combative Egypt sent a statement after beating the reigning African champions Tunisia in front of their home crowd.
The 67-61 victory not only helped Egypt improve their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers record to 6-1, but it also ended Tunisia’s unbeaten home run (15-0).
Tunisia’s last home loss had happened on August 29, 2015 in the Semi-Finals of the African Championship against Angola.
Also in Monastir, Senegal ended South Sudan winning run with a 69-66 points victory in group F.
Earlier in the day, Cameroon led by Paris Lee secured her second win in the Qualifiers with a 71-69 points over DR Congo.
