Nile University defeated Kwara Falcons 76-74 in their first game of the 2025 Nigeria Premier Basketball League Final 8.
First quarter started in a frenetic fashion with both sides giving as good as they got. Kwara Falcons’ Babatunde Abdulsamad was a constant thorn in the side of Nile University while his teammate, the diminutive Adeloye Adewunmi more than made up for whatever anyone thought was lacking in his height.
Beautiful 3-pointers from Nile’s Emmanuel Oijoga and a steal from Falcons’ Adeloye almost immediately after that underlined how both sides were going toe to toe but one of two free throws he converted meant that Kwara Falcons ended the first quarter 21-17.
Second quarter continued with the same pace. Babatunde of the Falcons took advantage of a break away and put more distance between his side and Nile University. Nile Austine Akpejokie converted one of his two free throws while Godswill Akunebu of Kwara Falcons restored the gap.
Two more free throws converted and some top tier defending from him kept Nile at bay but a 3-pointer from Nile’s Emmanuel Awolope cut the deficit for his team. Then Moseno Hunuohashi narrowed it even further wirh a free throws after a basket good. All of a sudden, Nile were in the Zone.
Second quarter ended with Kwara Falcons ahead. Barely. 37-34
The third quarter had Nile picking up from where they left off in the 2nd. Steals, turn-overs and converted free throws put Nile ahead.
Moseno put them 7 points ahead which was then cut by a fantastic 3 pointer from Falcon’s Chinedu Precious Nwogu but Nile was not to be stopped. They ended the quarter ahead 55-52.
4th quarter and even more pressure from Nile. Nile’s No 10, Emmanuel, was in his element. Steals, feints, drives and three pointers. The other Emmanuel, Emmanuel Oigoga’s 3 pointer was immediately returned by Falcon’s Precious.
A dunk by Moseno added flavour to the quarter who also added 2 free throws towards the end of the quarter. A late flurry by Kwara Falcoms meant that it was close by Nile were the eventual winners, 76-74.
Nile University will face Hoops & Read on Tuesday for redemption while Falcons will attempt to bounce back when they face Lagos Legends.
