Rio 2016 : Nigeria's D'tigers lost to Lithuania in a 80-89 defeat

The Nigeria’s men basketball team (D’Tigers) , gave a powerful and surprising display in their second group game against Lithuania on Tuesday night, but still succumbed to the superior firepower of their opponents, losing 80-89. Having been blown away in their opening game against Argentina, D’Tigers, who are the reigning African champions, gave a brave fight to help their chances of qualification for the quarter finals of the men’s basketball event.

With Ike Diogu opening the floor with the first basket, the Nigerian men hit the ground running, winning the first quarter 16-13. At the end of the second quarter, captain of the side, Diogu, recorded 11 points, Alade Aminu scored six points while Umeh had eight points as the Nigerians led 41-36 at half-time.

Lithuania, who are ranked third in the world, bounced back from their sloppy start in the third quarter and went 16 points clear to lead 65-54. D’Tigers attempted a late fight back but Lithuanians’ experience and quality saw them through the later stages of the game as they now have two wins from as many games in Rio.

Having suffered back-to-back losses, the chances of Nigeria progressing from the group stage looks bleak, but the African champions will hope to at least get it right when they face another tough opposition in Spain in their next game on Thursday.