BOITUMELO RANTAO
NIGERIA continued their strong run defeating Argentina 94-71 in an exhibition tournament game in Las Vegas, United States of America (USA).
Argentina, the number four ranked team according to International Basketball Federation (FIBA), came into the game as favourites, but ended up on the wrong end of a 20 point blowout. After an upset over the number one ranked USA team, D’Tigres (Nigeria’s National Team) has continued to show strength ahead of the forthcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Two big wins for the Nigerian team come on the backs of resilient play, active hands, quick feet and defensive effort that personifies urgency.
The battle against Argentina was won by the big men. Nigeria’s Precious Achiuwa and Jahlil Okafor (who sat out the game against the USA) rose to the occasion scoring 17 and 12 points respectively. Both Okafor and Achiuwa seemed to have never ending motors- outpacing the Argentine up and down the floor with- ending the affair with 7 rebounds each.
Guard Josh Okogie, who’s intensity on defense led to 2 steals, and forward Chimezie Metu each scored 10 points to spur on Nigeria.
Nigeria are moving with confidence and belief – fueled by a number of players making efforts on both ends of the floor. Former National Basketball Association (NBA) Head coach Mike Brown has the unfortunate task of cutting three players from his 15-man roster as only the final team of 12 can fly to Tokyo.
After the splash Nigeria caused after beating the USA team the group has shown they are not going to Olympics for a vacation – and intend to compete with the best the world has to offer.
