In the final game of this round of FIBA World Cup qualification, D’Tigers were defeated by Angola.

Angola defeated their Nigerian opponents 70-67, endangering the chances of the West Africans to qualify.

The weakened D’Tigers faced Angola, one of Africa’s top teams, after defeating Guinea to revive their qualification prospects.

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For the majority of the game, which the Angolans ultimately won, both teams traded blows.

The Nigerians seemed ready for a fight against the Angolans as they entered the first quarter behind Angola by 18 points to 16.

D’Tigers significantly improved in the second quarter, taking a 29-27 lead into the break.

They will hope to perform better in the next window in February if they are to qualify for the World Cup.

Angola demonstrated their ability to rebound and take a 50-45 lead over their West African opponents in the third quarter.

The Nigerians put forth a valiant effort in the fourth quarter, but they were defeated 70-67 when Josh Okogie missed a last-second opportunity to tie the score.

Amanze Egekeze scored the most points (18), and Chimezie Metu added 17 points and 10 rebounds.

For the Nigerians, Josh Okogie contributed 15 points as well. Jilson Bango had the most points for Angola with 12, followed by Gerson Goncalves with 12 and Childe Dundao with 10.

In Group E of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, D’Tigers are currently in fourth place behind Ivory Coast, Cape Verde and Angola.