RADES (Tunisia) - Rwanda went into Sunday's Group C World Cup qualifier against Nigeria aiming to beat them for the first time in five games, but Morris Udeza had other ideas.
With Rwanda leading by three (61–58) and just four seconds remaining, Prince Muhizi fouled Udeza, who converted a two-handed dunk followed by a free throw.
Udeza's free-throw sent the game to overtime where Nigeria outscored Rwanda 14-8 to secure the 75-69 win.
Udeze completed his heroic performance with 30 points - the most. by any player in Window 1 of the African Qualifiers - 10 rebounds and two assists.
Former African champions Nigeria, who currently rank eighth in Africa, faced all sorts of trouble to deny Rwanda, No. 14 in Africa.
Rwanda played without their key player David McCormack, who sat out with a foot injury.
Nigeria head coach Abdulrahman Mohammed admitted Udeze's impact on the win. He said: "I don't want to take some of the credit away from other guys, but if he [Morris Udeze] wasn't here I don't know where we would have been. We gave him a role and he embraced it. He's the most gentleman I have ever coached at the national team. He is always committed, dedicated and he is always ready. Every time he is on the floor, he gives everything he's got. I would like to give him credit for today's win. He's been fantastic."
Nigeria closed the first round of Group C with a 1-2 record while Rwanda return home 0-3.
FIBA