Point-differential earns Nigeria Zone 3 qualification ticket for the 2023 FIBA U16 Africa Championship
Nigeria are back to the Final Round of the FIBA U16 African Championship after being absent from the 2021 edition in Egypt.
ACCRA (Ghana) – Nigeria are back to the Final Round of the FIBA U16 African Championship after being absent from the 2021 edition in Egypt.
The 2019 bronze medalist were given a shock defeat by host Ghana 47-45 in the last game of the Qualifiers, a situation which sent the crowd at the Eden Heights Arena into a frenzy and wild jubilation.
This regional qualifiers consisted of three teams, namely hosts Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria.
Nigeria’s opening day win of 67-38 over Cote d’Ivoire turned out to be their saving grace as all three teams finished with 3 points on the table.
Ghana made a strong impression in their game against Cote d'Ivoire forcing the game into overtime at 62-62 but eventually fell 68-64. Nigeria by virtue of head-to-head and goals sneaked their way to the ticket.
The final tables shows that Nigeria scored 112 baskets and conceded 85 with a +27 goals difference while Ghana followed with 111 baskets and conceded 113 for a -2 deficit and Cote d'Ivoire scored 101 and conceded 131 with a deficit of -30 all from two games apiece.
This qualification makes it the fourth time for Nigeria to reach the Final Round.
Team captain for Nigeria, Sambo Abraham Madabu who was instrumental to Nigeria’s commanding 67-38 win against Cote d'Ivoire and drilled 10 points in the game against Ghana told FIBA.basketball that he is glad that the team eventually grabbed the qualification ticket.
"This qualification was nail biting but we're thankful we eventually got the ticket.
Though disappointed by the loss to Ghana, head Coach of the Nigeria side Humphrey Fubara Onyanabor is taking nothing for granted ahead of the Tunisia trip.
He told FIBA.basketball in chat at the end of the Qualifiers in Accra has opened his eyes to the laxities in his team.
He says that having achieved his target of the Zone qualification, the focus has shifted.
"First, it was for us to qualify Nigeria for the African championship where we will have the opportunity to fight for a ticket for the Under 17 World Cup. There, we hope for Nigeria to have a very good representation and to show the world our brand of basketball. I must commend Ghana for their efforts and hard work."
Nigeria now joins 5-time champions Egypt in the battle for who become the 2023 champions. Other teams that have qualified include Mali, Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Guinea and host Tunisia in the Final Round.
FIBA