TheCable

D’Tigers of Nigeria have been knocked out of the 2023 AfroCan championship after losing 74-72 to Democratic Repub in the quarter-final.

The Nigerians narrowly lost to the competition’s defending champions in a fierce contest at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda, Angola, on Thursday.

Nigeria progressed to the quarter-final after steamrolling Gabon 71-55 in the classification round on Wednesday.

But D’Tigers failed to reproduce the brilliance early against the Congolese and surrendered the first quarter 31-19.

The Nigerians spluttered to life in the second quarter and finished halftime at 45-37.

In the third quarter, Nigeria resumed their reinvigoration and sliced the deficit further to 59-54.

Although D’Tigers dominated the final quarter, the damage proved too wide for their late rally. DR Congo advanced to the semi-final with a 2-point victory.

Kanyinsola Odufuwa was the best performer for Nigeria, with 23 points, five rebounds and one assist.

Chinedu Chimbuo followed with 12 points, nine rebounds and two assists.

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.