Tunisia Dethrones Nigeria 77-65

FIBA Afrobasket Men Championship Diogu Is Tournament’s MVP

DEFENDING Champions, D’tigers of Nigeria, yesterday, lost 77-65 points to hosts, Tunisia, in this year’s FIBA Afrobasket Men Championship, held at the Salle Omnisports de Rades, Tunisia.

Two years ago, at the same venue - Nigeria lost to Tunisia in the group phase, but they responded with four straight victories to win the trophy for the first time-ever, while Tunisia finished in thirdplace.

The northern Africans, who lost the first quarter of the epic encounter 8-14 to the Nigerians, however regained their composure by taking the lead at the resumption of the second quarter 17-10.

The defending champion seemed to have lost the steam as they further went down 16-27 in the third quarter to the resilient Tunisians, who were spurred by the home crowed who cheered them ceaselessly.

The D’tigers, however, woke up from their slumber, as they rallied round to equal the strength of their host by drawing level at 25-25 in the fourth quarter of the final and eventually lost the tie at 65 to Tunisia 77.

Meanwhile, D’tigers forward, Ike Diogu, received the MVP award offered by Tissot following his dominant performance at the championship.

The 34-year old power forward recorded a tournament-high 22 points per game, and averaged 8.7 rebounds per game at the 16team FIBA Africa’s most important competition.

Diogu, who was also been named on the All-Tournament team, was the tournament’s highest scorer with a total of 132 points, and was Nigeria’s highest points scorer in four of their six games at the tournament.