D’Tigers subdue Korea to secure big win at FIBA World Cup

Nigeria’s Men’s Basketball National Team, D’Tigers rounded off their FIBA Basketball World Cup group stage campaign with a 44-point mauling of South Korea to give their Olympic qualification a big boost.

Today’s win was the first for the team who lost their first two group games to Russia and Argentina.

Although both defeats have eliminated Nigeria from qualifying for the next round, D’Tigers have a chance to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics if they finish as the continent’s top finisher in China.

“Following Tunisia’s loss to Puerto Rico, 64-67pts, @NigeriaBasket have now finished as the best African Team at the @FIBAWC.  We have picked the only automatic ticket available for Africa,” read a tweet on the team’s twitter handle after the match.

Nigeria did not start well allowing the Koreans have the upper hand but eventually caught up in the closing minutes of the first quarter to end it 15-17 points.

Captain of the team, Ike Diogu, extended the lead with 15 points.

All the players made a point with Michael Eric leading all scorers with 18 points and 9 rebounds.