Nigeria has emerged champions of the inaugural FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup beating Cote d’ Ivoire 21-9 points in the final on Sunday at the outdoor venue of Stade Omnisport Eyadema de Lomé, Togo.
The home based D’Tigers led by captain Azuoma Dike left no one in doubt in the encounter after dispatching Egypt 21-14 points in the semi-finals and were unstoppable as Abdul Yahaya scored a total of 39 points in five games.
Godwin David and Lucky Subel also gave a good account of themselves to ensure victory for Nigeria in the finals.
It was double honors for Nigeria as Dike was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament while being named in the competition’s top three players list which included Tisiane Traore of Cote d’ Ivoire and Elly Randriamampionona of Madagascar.
Meanwhile, Mali proved too powerful for the D’Tigress in the final as they emerged 12-11points in a keenly contested game.
Nigeria’s come-back in the last minute of the game fell short despite Nkem Akaraiwe and Josette Anaswem scoring 5 points apiece.
D’Tigress star, Nkechi Akashili struggled in the final scoring just 1 point but was named in the Team of the Tournament for her overall contribution at the Africa Cup. She finished third overall scoring 28 points. She was named alongside Mali’s Nassira Traore and Jamla Nasikombi of Uganda.
