Nigeria’s D’Tigers lost their second consecutive game to Canada 82-67 points on Saturday at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Australia. Diressa Emmanuel and Alleyn Justus both scored 24 points each for Canada and dominated most part of the game.
D’Tigers started off slowly in the first quarter (23-16) but built the mometum in the second quarter taking a 5 point deficit going into the final quarter (57-52). The Nigerian side collapsed on defense in the last quarter committing 8 turn overs and 27 in the entire game.
Despite out-rebounding their opponents, D’Tigers could only make 37% of their field goals and 2 of 15 from the deep.
D’Tigers captain, Ike Diogu was influential as usual playing 33 minutes as he made a double-double, 29 points and 15 rebounds. Diogu had 10/20 of his field goals and 8 of 8 from the free throw line. Godsgift Achiuwa also contributed a double-double, 10 points and 12 rebounds in 33 minutes played.
For a second game in a row the Nigerian bench had less contribution as compared to their opponents. Canadians made 37 points off the bench while Nigeria had just 15 from the bench.
Only two teams will qualify to the semi-finals from the two groups. Host Australia, New Zealand and Canada have all won a game each in Group B. Later in the day, New Zealand will play against Australia. Nigeria’s next game is against Australia on Monday
