Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigers are set to face Uganda today in their second game of the 2024 FIBA AfroBasket U-18 Championships at Rembrandt Hall, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
The Nigerian team had a challenging start to the championships, falling 70-57 to Egypt in their Group B opener on September 4. However, they bounced back in their second game against Angola on Saturday, narrowly defeating the Angolans 70-65.
In a thrilling contest, the six-time champions overcame a 10-point deficit early in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Isaac Ezekiel, who scored 21 points and grabbed six rebounds, along with team captain Azeez Sulaimon, who contributed 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and ten steals, led the team to victory. This win elevated Nigeria to second place in the standings, trailing Egypt, who remain undefeated.
Uganda enters today’s matchup in search of their first win after suffering defeats in their first two games—an 89-73 loss to Angola and a 73-50 defeat to Egypt, leaving them at the bottom of the group.
The FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2024 commenced on Sunday, September 1, and will conclude on September 14.
