D’Tigers crash out of Afrobasket after Senegal defeat

Nigerians hoping to see another Afrobasket glory run were left heartbroken on Wednesday night as D’Tigers crashed out of the men’s championship in Luanda, Angola, humbled 91-75 by arch-rivals Senegal.

It was sweet revenge for the Senegalese, whose women’s team fell to Nigeria’s D’Tigresses just last month. This time, the men came loaded with fire, determination, and a clear mission: stop the high-flying D’Tigers.

The encounter started on a balanced note. Nigeria edged the first quarter 24-23, giving fans hope of another routine march to the semis. But that was where the dream ended. The Senegalese turned the heat up in the second quarter, blowing D’Tigers apart 30-18 and taking a comfortable 53-42 lead into halftime.

Things went from bad to worse in the third quarter as Senegal stretched their dominance, winning 23-13. Though Nigeria rallied late in the fourth, edging it 20-15, it was a case of too little, too late. Final score: 91-75.

Even more painful was the silent night endured by NBA star Josh Okogie. The man who dropped 33 points in a group game was completely locked out by Senegal’s defense, finishing with just four points. A massive disappointment when Nigeria needed him most.

Senegal may still trail 5-4 in their all-time head-to-head, but this victory cuts deepest, as it ends Nigeria’s semifinal hopes.