Defending champion, D’Tigers of Nigeria began their Afrobasket title defense with a nervy 78-77 victory over fellow West African nation Côte d’Ivoire.
Team captain, Ike Diogu was unstoppable as he provided 31 points and 8 rebounds to ensure Nigeria survived Côte d’Ivoire’s second half resurgence.
Ike Iroegbu also scored 15 points as Washington Wizards center Daniel Ochefu was not seen with the team.
Reigning Champions Nigeria ??? take tight victory over Cote d’Ivoire! #AfroBasket2017
? https://t.co/y27MIjZ8WD pic.twitter.com/eSCBW6f0X9
— FIBA (@FIBA) September 8, 2017
Points Per Quarter
1st: Nigeria 17-11 Côte d’Ivoire
2nd: Nigeria 25-22 Côte d’Ivoire
3rd: Nigeria 11-17 Côte d’Ivoire
4th: Nigeria 25-27 Côte d’Ivoire
