Nigeria’s only surviving team in the FIBA Africa Basketball League, Civil Defenders, surprised many by reaching the second round of the championship, finishing second in their group with a 2-1 record.

To progress any further now, they’ll have to surmount an even bigger challenge in the elite 8. Drawn against holders AS Sale the defenders are facing their toughest test in the championship and guard Victor Okpe echoes that sentiment.

In a chat with brila.net Okpe, who was one of the team’s stand out players in the first round said, ‘ Ideally, the next game is just another game, but the reputation of this opponent means they’re our biggest test so far.

They are a bigger side and have more experienced and we’ll have to play well as a unit to pull a surprise win.’