Nigeria moved a step closer to qualifying for the 2020 FIBA U-17 world Cup in Bulgaria with a 90-57 points win over Angola on Tuesday at the ongoing FIBA U-16 Africa Championship in Praia, Cape Verde.
Nigeria, who lost to Angola in the 2009 and 2015 edition of the competition, ensured they came out smoking to set the records straight as they dominated proceedings for the better part of the game.
With a dominance which spanned 38:20 minutes, Nigeria led throughout the four quarters: 20-11, 26-12, 22-19, 22-15, to coast to their first win over Angola at the U-16 level.
An improved field goal of 38 per cent ensured that the team became the highest point scorer in a single game in the 2019 edition, reaching the 90 points mark.
Farouk Isah was at the heart of everything good for Nigeria on the night, scoring 27 points, 5 steals, 4 rebounds and 1 assist.
Precious Ikpe contributed 19 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals, while Joy Ighovodjia and Bormini Victor Dennis scored 14 and 13 points respectively.
Speaking after the game, Head coach of the team, Fubara Onyenabo, said the result was far from what he expected but was an indication of potentials in the team and their readiness to learn.
Onyenabo said: “I knew we would beat them but I didn’t expect a 33 point margin.
“It simply goes to show that the boys were attentive during our sessions.”
He described the result, which is the highest point scored by any team so far in the competition, as deceptive because the game was tougher that it looked on paper.
Nigeria are currently second on the group table with 5 points behind leaders Egypt on 6 points.
The team will play its final group game against Algeria who are yet to record a win in the competition later today by 5pm Nigerian time.
Last time Nigeria participated in the FIBA U-16 African Championship was in 2015 where they finished 5th.
Best outing for the team was a bronze medal finish in 2009.
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