Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, is set to take on Senegal’s Teranga Lions in the quarterfinals of the ongoing AfroBasket tournament. The high-stakes match is scheduled to take place today at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda in Angola. D’Tigers, led by Coach Mohammed Abdulrahman, are looking to maintain their perfect record in the tournament as they face off against their Francophone counterparts.
The Nigerian team has been in impressive form, topping Group B with a maximum of six points to secure a spot in the last eight. They dominated Madagascar 77-59 in their opening game, followed by a convincing 87-66 win over defending champions Tunisia. In their final group game, D’Tigers edged out Cameroon 99-90, showcasing their skills and teamwork. Coach Abdulrahman attributed their success to their defensive strategy, stating, “Our identity is to play good defense and then see if we can run and get quick and easy baskets.”
Senegal, on the other hand, had a more challenging path to the quarterfinals. After starting strong with an 88-53 victory over Uganda, they suffered a 91-77 loss to Egypt. However, they bounced back with an 80-70 win over Mali in their final group fixture. The Teranga Lions then secured their quarterfinal spot by defeating South Sudan 78-65 in a playoff match. Senegal’s team captain, Brancou Badio, has been a standout player, scoring 31 points in the win against South Sudan.
The match between Nigeria and Senegal promises to be an intense encounter, given their history of competition. The two teams have faced each other eight times previously, with Nigeria edging the stats 5-3 in favor of the D’Tigers. Key players to watch out for on both teams include Nigeria’s Josh Okogie, Ike Nwamu, and Stan Okoye, as well as Senegal’s Jean Jacques Boissy and Brancou Badio.
As the two teams clash in the quarterfinals, they will be vying for a spot in the semifinals and a chance to claim the coveted AfroBasket title. With both teams showcasing impressive skills and determination, this match is expected to be a thrilling encounter.
