By IBRAHIM T. LOT
Nigeria’s basketball team, D’Tigers, is currently facing a challenging scenario in their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIBA World Cup.
After the first three games of the qualification window, the team has secured only one win against two defeats, placing them third in their group and putting their advancement in jeopardy.
The qualifying window started poorly for D’Tigers as they lost their opening match in overtime to hosts Tunisia, falling 88-78.
Followed by a disappointing loss to Guinea, who claimed their first-ever win against Nigeria with a final score of 69-55, the pressure mounted on the team.
Their third outing against Rwanda appeared to be heading towards another defeat, as they were outscored 21-12 in the first quarter.
However, showcasing resilience, D’Tigers rallied back, outscoring their opponents 13-6 in the second quarter and 20-9 in the third.
The game eventually went into overtime after they drew level at 61-61, thanks largely to Morris Udeze who led the charge with an impressive 30 points and a game-high 10 rebounds.
In overtime, D’Tigers pulled away, outscoring Rwanda 14-8 to secure a 75-69 victory, marking their first win of the qualifying window.
Alongside Udeze’s standout performance, Stan Okoye contributed 16 points and nine rebounds, and Ike Nwamu added 13 points with six assists and six rebounds.
Despite being unconvincing so far, D’Tigers remain hopeful of retaining their third spot in Group C, as they aim to qualify for the next round.
The top three teams from each group will progress to the second round of qualifiers, where they will compete for a spot in the World Cup, having missed out on the last edition in 2023.
Alex Iwobi optimistic about Nigeria’s AFCON chances
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi is brimming with optimism as Nigeria prepares for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be held in Morocco next year.
Drawing from his experience with the national team, where he notably contributed to the victory in the 2019 bronze medal match and the runner-up finish in 2023, Iwobi believes that the current squad is well-equipped to claim the title.
In a recent interview during a promotional event aimed at generating buzz for the tournament, Iwobi declared, “Yes, of course, the last AFCON, we were really close, but the only way we can improve from the last AFCON is to win the next one.”
He expressed confidence in the team’s potential, adding, “We’ve got the players to do so; we believe so, we just have to prove it.”
The excitement surrounding AFCON is palpable, especially with a European trophy tour announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which commenced in London and featured Iwobi alongside former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song and notable guests.
Despite facing a contentious period following the team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, Iwobi noted that a successful AFCON could dramatically shift perceptions and reinvigorate the team’s spirit, reinforcing their capability to reclaim dominance in African football.
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Yakubu Aiyegbeni urges Osimhen to explore EPL move
In a compelling interview, retired Nigerian striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni urged fellow compatriot Victor Osimhen to seriously consider a move to the English Premier League, citing it as the most competitive football league in the world.
Yakubu emphasized that playing against the best in England would be a valuable test for Osimhen, whose skills have shone while at Galatasaray in Turkey.
Yakubu, who spent several successful years in the Premier League, remarked, “It depends on him.
I played in the Premier League for more than six, seven years; it is one of the best leagues in the world.”
He believes that a player of Osimhen’s calibre would thrive in such an environment, stating, “He can score goals; he is scoring goals in Fenerbahce [Galatasaray].”
He added, “Everyone would love to see him there; he should come there and give it a go.
Why not?”
As Osimhen navigates his contract with Galatasaray, which keeps him in Turkey for several more years, thoughts of the Premier League loom, and fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he takes the plunge into one of the toughest football leagues globally.
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Edna Imade chooses Spain over Nigeria
In a significant development that has caught the attention of football enthusiasts, Edna Imade has officially opted to represent Spain, effectively ending Nigeria’s hopes of securing the talented forward for the Super Falcons.
Imade made her competitive debut for Spain in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Nations League final and is now permanently tied to the Spanish national team, as per FIFA regulations.
Born in Morocco to a Nigerian mother, Imade was eligible to represent Nigeria or Morocco.
Although there were prior indications of her interest in playing for Nigeria, her recent call-up to the reigning world champions changed the course of her international career.
During the final against Germany, she entered the game as a substitute, showcasing her commitment to her new national team.
This decision reflects a growing trend as more players of Nigerian descent choose to represent other nations on the international stage, posing challenges for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in their quest for top talents.
With Imade’s departure, the NFF faces notable difficulties in building a robust squad as they prepare for future competitions, shifting their focus on retaining and nurturing existing players to prevent similar losses moving forward.
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