With much determination and hype as surprised underdogs in the basketball event of London 2012 Olympics, Nigeria’s D’Tigers fought a good fight but lost out of the competition on Monday.
The Nigerians, who began their campaign with 60-56 victory against African champions, Tunisia, lost Monday’s last group game 79-73 points to France, completing a four-match losing streak in their first ever Olympic appearance.
Earlier, D’Tigers lost their second game against Lithuania by 72-53 points, while the defending champions, USA, created a record by defeating the Nigerian team 156-73 points.
D’Tigers did not fare better in their match against South American champions, Argentina, who compounded Nigeria’s woes with 93-79 points.
While Monday’s last group match was dubbed a mere formality tie for D’Tigers, the coach Ayo Bakare-tutored side did not end it well to move near the quarter final of the Olympic Games.
Starting on a slow pace, the Nigerians were out-dunked by the French team, captained by NBA star, Tony Parker in both the first quarter which ended 23-10 points, and the fourth quarter by 23-19 points.
With consistent efforts of 3 pointers from Chamberlain Oguchi, Nigeria won the second and third quarters by 20-18 and 24-15 points respectively, to finish fifth in their group, one spot ahead of Africa’s other representative, Tunisia.
Inujries to Ade Dagunduro and Tony Skinn denied Nigeria an expected full strength in their last two games.
Tunisia, who travelled to London 2012 as African champions, finished their campaign without a victory, as they lost all their games including Monday’s last match, which they lost by 76-63points to Lithuania.
However, America lead the quarter finalists from Group A, which include: Argentina, France and Lithuania, while Spain, Russia, Australia and Brazil booked their tickets for the last eight in Group B. Wednesday Quarter final.
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i still love d guys.this is their first oliympic. they won there first match. despite not qualifying in the group.Tunisia that went has African champion lost all there matches. these guys have set pace for others upcoming young talents in basketball in Nigeria. I love them. i believe they will still make us proud in future.Nigerians lets learn to celebrate our own and also believe in them.
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