Paris 2024 Olympics: Senegal draw first blood as FIBA Africa qualifiers tip off to thrilling start

D’Tigers in action against Senegal

Nigeria and Senegal, yesterday, showed why they are favourites to qualify for the semifinals of the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympic Games’ qualifiers from Group A with a thrilling show of attacking basketball.

Senegal came into the competition holding at the Eko Hotels Convention Centre, Lagos, as the better-rated side and they did not waste time in asserting their authority in the game, but Nigeria rallied to win the first quarter by 28 points to 25.

The Senegalese took over in the second quarter, which they won by 48 points to 44. The yo-yo turn of events continued in the third quarter with D’Tigers ending the half on top by a single point, 68-67.

Just when D’Tigers’ fans thought the Nigerians would build on the slim lead to wrap up the game in the fourth quarter, Senegal upped their tempo, swooping all over the hosts with three-pointer that the D’Tigers had no answer to.

From 80 to 70 points advantage in the early minutes of the final quarter, Senegal suddenly switched to their top gear to stretch their lead to a game-winning 93 t0 87 points.

Nigeria will face Mali in their second game tomorrow by 6.00 p.m., while Senegal will observe their rest day following the withdrawals of DR Congo and Uganda from the competition.

A win will see Nigeria in the semifinals if Senegal, as expected, beat Mali in their second game.

Cameroun will play Guinea in a Group B game by 2.00 p.m. tomorrow.

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