AfroCan 2023: D’Tigers outclass Gabon to qualify for quarter-finals

D’Tigers of Nigeria have qualified for the quarter-finals of the ongoing 2023 AfroCan championship. 

The Nigerians advanced into the knock-out phase after steamrolling Gabon 71-55 at Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda on Wednesday.

Although D’Tigers began the competition brilliantly with a comfortable victory over Mali in the first game, the team lost 57-48 to Angola in their final group game. The results cost Nigeria an automatic ticket to the quarter-finals.

They were then pitted against Gabon, another team that fell short in the group stage, for another qualifying round.

During the game, D’Tigers hustled to settle themselves early and managed an 18-18 scoreline in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Nigerians took charge of the encounter and foisted their superiority on the Gabones as the half ended 43-32.

Gabon returned for the third quarter reinvigorated, but they could not stop Nigeria from extending the lead to 56-47.

The Nigerians then blow their opposition out of the court in the final quarter to secure a 16-point victory.

Chinedu Chimbuo was the best performer for Nigeria, with nine points, seven rebounds and six assists.

D’Tigers will face the Democratic Republic of Congo, the defending champions, in the quarter-finals on Thursday.

The FIBA AfroCan was established in 2019. The competition features only players who ply their trade on the continent.

The 2023 AfroCan will hold till July 16, 2023.