D’Tigers lose to Cape Verde in a FIBA World Cup qualifying match in Kigali

The third window of the FIBA African World Cup Qualifiers has started with Nigeria’s D’Tigers losing to Cape Verde 79-70 at the BK arena in Kigali.
Chimezie Metu‘s lay-up with seconds remaining gave Nigeria a 15-14 lead after the first quarter, but they fell down 25-11 in the second before coming back to win the third 21-17. 23 points were scored in the fourth quarter.
Ikenna Ndugba and Christian Mekowulu each had 13 points and 13 rebounds to lead the D’Tigers. Uche Iroegbu and Metu each scored 12 points.
With 14 points and 13 rebounds, Ivan Almeida led Cape Verde, who outrebounded Nigeria 53-40.
The D’Tigers’ second Group A match is against Mali on Saturday, and their last match is against Uganda on Sunday.