LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Uche Iroegbu was the best player on the court for D’Tigers as they outclassed Rwanda with a score line of 106-62 in their final game of the FIBA 2027 World Cup African Qualifiers window 3 campaign.
Iroegbu who was on the court for 26 minutes 27 seconds led Nigeria to victory with 17 points, six assists and five steals.
D’tigers started on the front foot as they went 11 points clear of their opponents in the first quarter.
By the end of the second quarter they extended their points tally over Rwanda to 20 points.
The third quarter was no different from the first two as Nigeria posted 31-15 to double Rwanda’s score.
They won the last quarter by just eight points to bring the total score to 106-62.
The victory meant D’tigers secured three consecutive victories in the qualifiers window.
Caleb Agada who was impressive last time out against Guinea also scored 13 points and dimed out six assists.
Another player who stood out was Christian Mekowulu who clinched 13 points in 15 minutes and 31 seconds.
D’tigers have already qualified for the second round after beating Guinea in the previous match of the qualifiers.
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Speaking after the game, Nigeria coach David Vanterpool praised the team’s mentality and resilence.
“We came out with a few different schematics defensively.
“Our guys did an incredible job limiting some of their better players from getting the type of looks that they normally get,” said Nigeria coach David Vanterpool.
He continued: “One of their better shooters [Justin Uwitonze] finished with three points [1-for-7 from behind the arc] . That is indicative of how our guys locked in on the game-plan, they executed at high level and stayed together through adversity.”
Nigeria now await their next opponents in the second round of the qualifiers set to begin on Thursday August 27 as they continue their quest to return to the world stage for the first time since the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
