Despite arriving 10 hours before the game, Nigeria’s D’Tigers put up an outstanding performance against Libya in their opening game of the Afrobasket Qualifiers but fell to an 89-82 defeat in overtime.
Libya had taken a five-point lead over Nigeria at halftime, but the D’Tigers got back in the second half to put up a huge performance. They showed resilience and ensured they kept the deficit within reach.
Devine Eke pounced on a steal, which resulted in a layup by Michael Afuwape with 3:42 seconds left to tie the game 71-71.
The fourth quarter could have been a deciding one for Nigeria after they outscored the Libyans 25-15, but some missed baskets and free throws in the last minute of the fourth quarter deprived them of the win.
With 75-75 going to over time, Libya scored 14-7 to pick up their first win at the Afrobasket 2025 qualifiers.
Mike Nuga scored a game-high 31 points, added 8 rebounds and 5 assists, and shot 7/12 from the deep in 40 minutes.
Devine Eke added a double-double, 16 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks to go with it in 41 minutes. Michael Afuwape also added 16 points in the game.
Nigeria will play Uganda in their next game on Saturday.
