D’Tigers fall to narrow defeat in FIBA AfroCAN opener

Guinea defeated the D’Tigers of Nigeria 65-62 in the opening fixture at the ongoing FIBA AfroCAN in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

The Nigerian team started the game very well, recording the first bucket through Ibe Agu from beyond the arc. They went on to dominate the first quarter, establishing a 20-14 lead by the end of the first period.

Guinea came back roaring in the second quarter and managed to obliterate Nigeria’s lead before ending the half with a 36-31 lead over the D’Tigers.

The balance of the game swung the Nigerians’ way in the third quarter as they dragged back the Guineans, levelling the match at 49-49 at the end of the third quarter.

Guinea took the game away from the D’Tigers in the fourth quarter, emerging from the keenly-contested encounter as the winners by three points.

Ibe Agu led the D’Tigers with 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and four steals, and Michael Okiki recorded 12 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals. Michael Daramola also scored seven points and three rebounds in the game.

Nigeria will return to action on Saturday July 1st against Benin Republic as they look to bounce back with a win.