Nigeria’s D’Tigers have been defeated 93-87 in the opening game of the 2024 FIBA Olympic pre-qualification tourney.
On Monday, the Senegalese outscored and upset Nigeria in the topsy-turvy match at the Eko Convention centre in Lagos.
Ogoh Odauda, D’Tigers head coach, named a starting five of Ike Nduga, UC Iroegbu, Daniel Utomi, Chimezie Metu and Micheal Eric.
The Nigerian line-up showed their edge quickly in the game with repeated three-pointers from Metu. D’Tigers led the Senegalese 26-25 at the end of the first quarter.
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Senegal returned for the second quarter the better side and led 46-44 by halftime.
D’Tigers resumed their control in the third quarter and retook the lead 68-67.
The match spun away from Nigeria in the final quarter as the Senegalese opened a 10-point lead.
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A late rally failed to close up the gap for Nigeria as Senegal won the game with a 5-point difference.
Iroegbu led D’Tigers with 24 points followed by Metu with 22 points.
Nigeria are billed to play Mali in their second game of Group B on Tuesday.
The FIBA Olympic pre-qualification tourney is the first round of playoffs for a ticket to the basketball event of the Paris 2024 games.
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The competition is being held in five locations across the world.
The winning team of each tournament will advance to the Olympic qualification tournament.
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