Sports
2016 Olympics: D’Tigers Proud Of Performance, Eager For More
Although Nigeria failed to reach medal range in the men’s basketball event of the ongoing Rio Olympic Games, top national players have said that the outing will not be the country’s last.
The national men’s senior team, D’Tigers were beaten by Brazil, 86-69 in the men’s event at Carioca Arena during their last Group B match which ended any chance of progession at the games.
The national team had lost to Argentina, Lithuania and beat Croatia 90-76 before bowing to the fire dunking of the hosts Brazil.
Alade Aminu and Josh Akognon told a post match conference that in spite of losing all but one of their matches, the participation would not be their last to the Olympic Games.
“I don’t think this is the last time you’ll see us at an Olympic Games. Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,’’ said Aminu, a power forward.
“Our performance was in our hands, we had a chance. Unfortunately it didn’t happen.’’
On Nigeria’s play, he said: “Honestly, I think we showed a lot of people that we are a team to be reckoned with.
“I think when teams play us they know they’re in for a fight, we made a name for ourselves even though we didn’t have the result that we wanted.
“If you play Nigeria you know it’s going to be a challenge, it’s not going to be just an easy game,’’ Aminu said.
He added that though they didn’t get the wins they wanted, he thought they did do a lot of good things.
“I think we definitely are looking forward to making 2020 and be there doing something big for Nigeria in the Olympics.’’
On the country’s performance in Africa, he said that “I think it has inspired many people.
“In the past, you never heard of Nigerian basketball at the Olympics and winning gold medal in AfroBasket.
“So, I think it has inspired a lot of people. Nigerians, especially and the entire continent of Africa; I think we’re trail blazers.
“We’re making a name for Nigerian basketball and African basketball in general.
“It’s possible to play at the Olympic level and to win and the next step will be looking forward to winning a medal’’.
On the team’s chemistry, he added that “some of these teams have been together for 10 to 13 years. We’ve been together for four years.
“When you have the chemistry of those teams that have been together for 10 years plus like Spain and Argentina, it really helps in this kind of situation, to play at the highest level.
“As we continue to stay together, you’re going to see a real good product on the court, moving forward’’.
A Point Guard, Akognon reacting said: “For the Olympic experience, I’ve been away from my wife and children all summer, I love the experience but I’m ready to go back to them too.
“We felt great to represent our country but at the same time we feel bad, not being able to get into the medal round and do better.
“Even after the last game (a win over Croatia), I didn’t see what it was to be so happy about when you’re 1 and 3, as a competitor, you’re not thinking that 1 and 3 is great.
“For me, the whole experience is up and down. But overall, with my brothers and teammates and our fans, it’s been a great experience,’’
he said.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
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