Nigeria’s D’Tigers earned their first win at the 2016 Olympics men’s basketball event by pulling off the biggest upset to date in the competition with a 90-76 defeat of Croatia on Friday night.
Croatia started the game as the better side winning the first quarter 28-21. However, Nigeria’s Mike Umeh was the star of the quarter scoring 10 points.
The second quarter resumed with D’Tigers taking control of the game as they scored 12 straight points to lead 33-29. Croatia roared back but Nigeria held on to lead 43-39 at half time.
D’Tigers came into the third quarter believing they could do it; and they absolutely blew the Croatians away scoring 27 points as against their opponents 17.
In the fourth quarter the Croatians fought back but D’Tigers held on to secure a historic victory.
The victory is Nigeria’s biggest win at the world level since they surprised Greece 80-79 at the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Heading into their final game against hosts Brazil on the back of this win can only do their confidence a world of good. Croatia will face European rivals Lithuania and whether or not they reach the Quarter-Finals may be dictated by more than the result of their game.