Nigeria’s D’Tigers have been eliminated from the 2023 AfroCan championship after losing 74-72 to Democratic Republic in the quarter-final.
The Nigerian home boys lost by just two points in a keenly contested affair at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda, Angola, on Thursday afternoon.
Nigeria progressed to the quarter-final after defeating Gabon 71-55 in the classification round on Wednesday evening.
However, D’Tigers surrendered to the superior firepower of the Congolese after a shambolic first quarter that ended 31-19 against them.
The Nigerians spluttered to life in the second quarter and finished halftime at 45-37.
The Nigerian side put up a superlative performance and reduced the deficit by 5 points.
The Nigerians did all they could but didn’t overtake the Congolese as they exit the competition after losing by 74-72
Kanyinsola Odufuwa was the best performer for Nigeria, with 23 points, five rebounds and one assist.
Chinedu Chimbuo followed with 12 points, nine rebounds and two assists.
The FIBA AfroCan was established in 2019. The competition features only players who ply their trade on the continent.
The 2023 AfroCan will hold till July 16, 2023.