15th AJUBA: Nigeria rule Africa Again
Like others before it Mali under 18 national team surrendered to the superior fire power of its Nigerian counterpart in the final of the 15th FIBA Africa U-18 Championship at the sports Hall of Durban University of Technology, South Africa.
The Nigerian lads played as if their entire lives depended on the match led in the first three quarters of (19-11, 11-06 and 24-07) for Mali one 17-15 points to retained the African title it won four years ago in Cairo, Egypt. Playing a deep pressure defense and offensive that rattled the Malian leaving them to gasp for breath in most part of the high profile encounter which attracted a large number of Nigerians living in Durban, South Africa who trooped out in their hundreds to drum up support for the Oseer Ikyaator captained side. It was a day the entire campus of the Durban University stood still for the Nigerian community who were over-joy that the victoriuos team have brought honour to them. United States of America-based Nigeria centre, Solomon Alabi led the floor in scoring with 17 points, 9 rebounds and one steal, Ibrahim Yusuf who was Nigeria defence minister for the day contributed 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and one steal, Mbaram Omori added 10 points and 9 rebounds. Two Nigerian players, points guard Ikyaator and centre Alabi, however, made the Africa top-five players' list, other players that made the top-five list includes, South Africa’s Khumalo Celumusa, Congo Ibaka N’Gobila Sameaya who also won the championship top-scorer and rebounder award and Mali playmaker Coulibaly Waly complete the list. The y |
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