COTONOU (Benin) - Civil Defenders on Sunday became the last team to advance to the Elite 8 of the FIBA Africa Basketball League 2019.

The Nigerian side edged out hosts Elan Sportif (Benin) 62-58 to improve their Group B mark to 2-1.

Civil Defenders forward Victor Ocheibi Okpe was in superb form Sunday night as he powered his side to achieve their set goal at the beginning of the Cotonou showdown

Okpe inspired the Nigerian side with a double-double of 16 points, and 16 rebounds, added 4 assists.

Both Denfenders and the Port Novo-based Elan Sportif shared the four quarters evenly (19-11, 14-18, 17-11, 12-18) for the do-or-die match for either side. 

Two other members of Abuja-based team - including Umar Garba and Ibe-Abuchi Agu - contributed a double figures with 14 and 13 points in that order.

Victor Okpe Civil Defenders

Elan Sportif Vivien's Tossou sparked the hosts with team-best 11 points in their losing cause.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense-funded team now join Group B winners Etoile Sportive de Rades who amassed a 3-0 mark in the three-dat qualifier. 

FIBA