Despite a shock defeat of 47-45 in the last game of the Qualifiers to host Ghana, the world basketball ruling body, has confirmed Nigeria’s qualification for the U16 African Championship.The qualification also marked the return of Nigeria to the continental tournament after being absent from the 2021 edition in Egypt.
The 2019 bronze medalist were given a shock defeat by host Ghana which sent the crowd at the Eden Heights Arena into a frenzy and wild jubilation. But the loss did not prevent Nigeria’s eventual passage to the finals of the continental tournament in Tunisia later in the year.
The regional qualifiers in Accra consisted of hosts Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria.
According to FIBA, Nigeria’s opening day win of 67-38 over Cote d’Ivoire turned out to be their saving grace as all three teams finished with 3 points on the table.
Ghana made a strong impression in their game against Cote d’Ivoire forcing the game into overtime at 62-62 but eventually fell 68-64. Nigeria by virtue of head-to-head and goals sneaked their way to the ticket.
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The final table shows that Nigeria scored 112 baskets and conceded 85 with a +27 goals difference while Ghana followed with 111 baskets and conceded 113 for a -2 deficit and Cote d’Ivoire scored 101 and conceded 131 with a deficit of -30 all from two games apiece. The qualification makes it the fourth time for Nigeria to reach the Final Round.
Despite his disappointment over the loss to Ghana, Nigeria coach Humphrey Fubara Onyanabor is taking nothing for granted ahead of the Tunisia trip.
He admitted that the Qualifiers in Accra has opened his eyes to the laxities in his team.
“First, it was for us to qualify Nigeria for the African championship where we will have the opportunity to fight for a ticket for the Under 17 World Cup. There, we hope for Nigeria to have a very good representation and to show the world our brand of basketball. I must commend Ghana for their efforts and hard work.”
Nigeria now joins 5-time champions Egypt in the battle for who becomes the 2023 champions. Other teams that have qualified include Mali, Algeria, Angola, Uganda, Guinea and host Tunisia in the Final Round.