Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) board member, Col. Samuel Ahmedu has asked Nigerians to be patient with D’Tigers, as the team “did not have time” to prepare for the on going Afrobasket in Tunisia/Senegal.

D’Tigers fell to a more determined DR Congo Team 77-83 in their last group game having narrowly defeated Côte d’Ivoire in the opener and cruising past Mali in the second game.

Speaking to the Guardian, Ahmedu said: “I understand why some people feel bad and we all do as no one likes to lose. If you understand sports, you will know that you win some and lose some.”

“This team was in camp for two weeks only and did not have time for quality friendly games. The team is playing against quality opposition for the first time here.”

Despite losing to DR Congo, Nigeria topped group A of the 2017 FIBA Afrobasket and will face Cameroon in the quarter finals on Thursday.

“Angola lost to Morocco and almost lost to Uganda whom they beat after overtime. Nigeria beat Mali who beat Congo who beat us. That is sports. Many teams will give their feet to be where we are now.” he added.