The D’Tigers of Nigeria has proven their eagerness to defend the title with a 76-71 points win over Senegal in the semi-final match.
The match which was tagged as ‘’final before final’’ proved its worth with Senegal stealing some points after the jump ball. However, D’Tigers won the first quarter 15-12 points in a keenly contested quarter.
The second quarter also saw Nigeria net more points to win by 34-29. The D’Tigers who fired from all cylinders also won the third quarter 18-16 points. The Senegalese team played for pride as they won the fourth quarter by 26-24 points but the job was done by the D’Tigers in first three quarters.
D’Tigers shooting guard, Bryant Mbamalu, scored 19 points along with Power Forward, Ike Diogu, who netted 17 points, 14 rebounds, an assist and a steal with Point guard, Ikenna Iroegbu, getting two assist to see Nigeria through to the final.
Senegal has not reached the final for a long time. Their last appearance in the final was in 2005.
The D’Tigers of Nigeria hopes to defend the title when they play co-host Tunisia in the final, having conquered Morocco 60-52 points.
The final match comes up on Saturday.