August 15, (THEWILL) – Senegal edged out Nigeria’s senior men’s national basketball team, the D’Tigers, by 93-87 in a FIBA pre-Olympic qualifying match on Monday.
The game, held at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos before a packed crowd, saw D’Tigers start strong, leading after the first quarter. However, Senegal went on a late run in the first to close the gap to just one point. In the second quarter, after lineup changes by D’Tigers head coach, Oga Odaudu, Senegal seized momentum with another run. D’Tigers reduced the deficit but still trailed at half-time 46-44.
The third quarter was back-and-forth, with D’Tigers clawing back to take a one point lead. But Senegal responded at the start of the fourth with a pivotal run to go up by seven. D’Tigers tried to rally but could not get even as Senegal caught fire from three-point range. Late threes by Anosike and Metu cut the lead to three, but Senegal held on with clutch free throws down the stretch.
The six-point loss means D’Tigers must now defeat Mali in their second group game to have a chance at advancing past the group stage in Olympic qualifying.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
