D’Tigers became the first team to qualify for the 2021 FIBA Afrobasket Championship after defeating South Sudan 75-70 points on a chilly evening in Monsatir, Tunisia.
The team avoided a last minute scare against a physically imposing opposition, thanks to back to back treys from Obi Emegano to stretch D’Tigers lead to five after South Sudan opened a one gap lead in the dying minutes of the game.
Currently ranked number one in Africa, the Mfon Udofia-led side held their head high to grind out a well-deserved win: 18-9, 20-21, 19-18, 18-21.
Usual suspect, Ike Iroegbu, emerged the highest scorer for the team with 16 points, five assists and seven rebounds, while Emegano contributed 15 points, three assists and two rebounds.
Nuni Omot was on rampage all night, scoring 27 points, but his efforts were not enough to rescue his team from going under.
Debutants, Chima Moneke scored eight points, while Amanze Egekeze had five points before coming off injured with a medical report being awaited.
Uche Iroegbu with six points, three rebounds, and four steals continued the tradition of brothers playing for D’Tigers as he made his debut and played alongside his brother, Ike Iroegbu.
They join the elite group of the Aminus (Al Farouk Aminu and Alade Aminu)
Nigeria will face off against Rwanda on Thursday.