Nigeria’s men basketball team, D’Tigers began their quest for glory at the Olympics on the back foot. They lost to Australia 84-67 in their Group B opener.
Despite matching the world’s number three ranked nation, Australia shot for the better part of the first two quarters, Nigeria fell short by three points at the interval with a score at 43-40.
The second half was entirely different, ineffective shooting from the free-throw line let D’Tigers down as Australia switched on their power to play to open a six-point lead at the end of the third quarter.
Patty Mills making his fourth appearance at the Olympic games made the experience count with his decisive play to make the difference for the Aussies who prevailed 84-67.
Nigeria will face the United States next on Tuesday in their second match of the competition.