The Team Coach, D’Tigers, Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, Mohammed Abdulrahman, on Thursday expressed satisfaction in spite of his team loss to Senegal.
A sloopy performance would see Nigeria get crushed by Senegal, 91-75 and kicked out of the ongoing FIBA Afrobasket Championship in Angola in the quaterfinals.
Abdulrahman, in his post match reactions after the defeat, said his team did not raise the game when it mattered most.
Freedomonline reports that the clash, which was dominated by the Senegalese marked a sharp contrast to Nigeria’s group-stage form.
D’Tigers had recorded three straight victories against Madagascar,Tunisia, and Cameroon in a flawless group stage encounters which pip them championship contender.
Their flawless start had raised hopes of a deep run, possibly replicating their historic 2015 AfroBasket triumph.
However, Senegal, technically superior on the night, secured their fifth consecutive semi-final berth, ending Nigeria’s campaign.
Abdulrahman admitted his team fell short when it mattered most but praised the players for their fight, attitude, and the identity they are beginning to build.
“On a night we were supposed to bring out our A-game, we fell short. I’m not taking anything away from Senegal, they deserved the win.
“I am proud of how we played. We have an identity now and we will continue to build on it,” Abdulrahman said.
In spite of the disappointment, Abdulrahman stressed that the tournament offered encouraging signs for the future.
D’Tigers closed their campaign with four games played three wins in the group stage before bowing out in the quarter-finals.
