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A whirlwind 48hours summed up by the chivalry of showing up five hours to a game prior to a 9-hour flight, little wonder Nigeria got a pummeling at the hands of Egypt in their opening game of the FIBA AfroBasket U18 in Pretoria, on Wednesday.
The Young cubs, or Junior D’Tigers got a baptism of two sorts, first was the blow out 70-57, which they’ll need to quickly shake off and bounce back better for the second game.
An Egyptian player competes against his Nigerian Opponent during the AfroBasket U18. Photo | X (Queenjohn4)
Secondly, these young Athletes have now witnessed first hand – and in such early days – the grim reality of Nigerian sports, and will be coerced to normalize the challenges which might continuously arise due to top echelon incompetence – throughout their national team careers.
Whilst it was a brave decision to compete regardless, the players were invariably also served on a platter to the sharks; and the jury was quickly out for the quality of their game play.
Nevermind that two players hit double figures in points (Azeez Sulaiman 14pts, 4rebs, 4asts, 4stls and Isaac Ezekiel 11pts, 8rebs), and the rim efficiency of three others saw them do double figures in recovery (Ekpo Bassey 9pts, 12rebs, Favour Ibe 9pts, 10rebs and David Ike 4pts 11rebs).
The Cubs faced holders, Egypt, who are still favorites to retain the Ch’ip and had a far better preparation for the Pretoria showdown.
No doubt, Nigeria has a strong pedigree at this level, as the most successful team on the Continent, but that’s looking like ancient tales now.
Since the last time it won the AfroBasket U18 in 2006, Nigeria has only made the podium once (2008), seeming like an end to their era of dominance which produced 7 titles since 1987.
Egypt has since taken that baton, and whilst the field might look a bit competitive this year, they’re still the team to beat.
Next up for Coach Fubara Onyanabo and his lads is Saturday’s test against Angola, who beat Uganda 89-73 in the other group B matchup.
Nigeria’s roster for the 2024 AfroBasket U18. Photo | X (Queenjohn4)
