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The D’Tigers of Nigeria yesterday defeated Gabon 71-55 at the Pavilhao Multiusos De Luanda in Angola to progress to the quarterfinals of the 2023 AfroCan tournament.
The Nigerian team comprised of local-based players won two of the four quarters to defeat their opponent in the classification tie and gain a quarterfinal place.
Both Nigeria and Gabon had a tie in the first quarters but the Nigerian side took the lead in the second quarter of the encounter 25-14.
Gabon bounced back in the third quarter with a 15-13 win but couldn’t give them a victory as they fell heavily in the fourth set, 15-8.
The Nigerian side started on a shaky note, as the Gabonese got the first points and took a five-point lead in the first two minutes of the encounter.
Adebayo Oduleye’s three-pointers brought Nigeria even with their opponents at 18-18.
D’Tigers maintained momentum in the second quarter by outscoring the Gabonese 25 to 14. The second quarter ended 43-32 in favour of the Nigerians.
Despite Gabon’s charge in the third quarter, Nigeria extended the lead to 56-47 and blew their opposition out of the court in the final quarter to secure a 16-point victory.
Chinedu Chimbuo was the best performer for Nigeria, with nine points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
D’Tigers will now face DR Congo in the quarter-finals of the competition presently holding in Angola.