Opong's three-point shooting makes him a threat ahead of Quarter-Finals clash against Cape Verde

KIGALI (Rwanda) - Robinson Opong has made his name in African basketball landscape for his three-point shooting prowess.

He was vital in Uganda's 80-68 win over Nigeria, which saw the East Africans through to the Quarter-Finals of the AfroBasket 2021.

"I AM STILL IN DREAMLAND DESPITE THE FACT THAT MOST PEOPLE DID NOT COUNT US WORTHY TO GET TO THIS STAGE OF THE AFROBASKET [2021]."- Robinson Opong

Against the former African Nigeria, Opong was 6-for-10 from behind the arc to finish with a team-high 19 points.

"We know nobody gave us chance to go thus far in the AfroBasket 2021 because we are rated outsider but here we are with full determination to continue to prove bookmakers wrong," declared Uganda inspirational swingman to FIBA.basketball.

The 32-year-old, who last played for Rivers Hoopers of Nigeria in the maiden edition of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), joined an elite group of players - including Carlos Morais (Angola) and Benjamin Anyahukeya Emelogu (Nigeria) - who established a record for most three-points made in a single game (six three-pointers each).

Opong who played a leading role in the epic victory over Nigeria, which now pitched them against Cape Verde in Thursday's Quarter-Finals, was on the floor for 25 minutes, recording 19 points, four rebounds and two assists.

"Basketball has offered me great succour and upliftment in my life and career and I have no choice than to continue to give my best to both country and any club I found myself," Opong said.

"I am still in dreamland that despite the fact that most people did not count us worthy to get to this stage of the AfroBasket, but determination and discipline have continued to propel us and we are ready to continue to give it our best. I must commend my teammates, coaching crew and our federation for everything Uganda basketball is today."

Talking about his early days in the sport, Opong explained: "I took to basketball pretty early, at age ten in Quebec, Canada and I have not looked back ever since. The fans should come out in their numbers on Thursday to watch one of the most exciting and competitive match-up against two teams who knows each other very well, but one I can assure the fans is to expect the best from Uganda.

Whatever Uganda's outcome in the AfroBasket 2021, they have surpassed expectations.

What the future holds for Opong and Uganda?