By Toby Prince
The D’Tigers of Nigeria roared to an 88-63 win over Central African Republic in their first fixture at the 2015 AfroBasket championship on Wednesday in Rades, Tunisia.
Africa’s biggest basketball tournament finally got underway after a venue change due to security concerns with Egypt and Gabon locking horns in the first game.
Nigeria recovered to win the game after falling behind 27-29 midway through the second quarter with D’Tigers’ Charmberlain Oguchi leading the onslaught against the Central African nation.
His 14 points epitomised his impact in the game as he appears to be Nigeria’s most efficient three-pointer.
Oguchi wasn’t the only one picking up points for fun, Portland Trail Blazers new recruit, Al-Farouq Aminu, finished with a team-high 15 points.
All Nigerian players contributed at least two points with the exception of Jamal Olasewere, highlighting the West African nation’s dominance.
Nigeria, who has never won this competition, must overcome defending champions, Angola, who are strong favourites to retain their title.
The winners of this year’s tournament will be crowned African Champions, as well as book a place in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, while the other three semi-finalists will go into an Olympic qualifying tournament next year.
