A spirited fight from Nigeria inspired D’Tigers them to their first win at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 after seeing off Korea 108-66 in a one-sided Group B tie on Wednesday at the Wuhan Sports Center.
Four players recorded double digits as D’Tigers showed their true spots and returned to winning ways in a convincing performance that saw them get closer to a possible qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Clarification!!
It seems the Olympics ticket isn’t automatic yet. DTigers, along with other African countries, still have to participate in the classification games.
Tunisia losing their game means they didn’t get the automatic ticket and gave Nigeria a chance to play for it. pic.twitter.com/XUdrmUKSpl
— BballNaija (@BballNaija) September 4, 2019
Michael Eric dropped 17 points and was one rebound away from a double double in his best game at this competition so far with these figures earning him the prestigious Player of the Game.
The ever present Ike Diogu showed great character in the paint on both ends of the court to limit Korea’s Ra Guna to just eight made field goals out of 18 attempts. Diogu scored 16 points and made six rebounds on his part.
Chimezie Metu and Ben Uzoh added 15 and 10 points in that order to restore dignity in the Nigerian camp following their near losses to Russia and Argentina earlier.
