By Mike Mbonye
Cote D’Ivoire defeated Nigeria, 74-65 to qualify for the finals of the FIBA AfroCan basketball tournament.
The FIBA African tournament is for home-based basketball players who play for African clubs.
The Nigerian team did their best but were overwhelmed by Cote D,’ Ivoire, backed by vociferous supporters.
Nigeria’s forward, Victor Eze was outstanding in the game while point guard, Michael Daramola provided all assists to the team.
Chinedu Chimbuo scored 15 points, while Victor Eze and team Captain Ibeabuchi Agu scored 10 points each.
Head coach of the Nigerian national men’s basketball team, Ogo Odaudu said the team did not execute its game plan.
“We have lost, we don’t have any excuses. I think, it’s a game we should have won.
‘’We should have done a better job protecting the ball down the stretch. We didn’t execute properly, so, that was something that really affected us,” he said.
Cote D’Ivoire’s defensive player, Richmond Landry, thanked God for the victory.
“I can say thank God. It wasn’t easy because because the team we played was very tough. It’s not a little team.
“I say congratulations to Nigeria and Cote D’Ivoire because it was a good game, a hard game,” he said.
Cote D’Ivoire ‘s national Women’s basketball team also qualified for the finals of FIBA Women ‘s Afrobasket .
Cote D’Ivoire and Guinea were the only women teams that played for the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket qualifier in zone 3.
Cote D’Ivoire defeated Guinea twice to qualify for the final of FIBA Women ‘s Afrobasket tournament.
The finals of the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket will take place in Kigali, Rwanda from July 28 to August 3.
The finals of the African tournament will take place in Angola from July 8 to 16.
