2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifier: D'Tigers Eye Win Against Mali

2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifier: D'Tigers Eye Win Against Mali By Niyi Busari D’Tigers will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways when they take on Mali in their FIBA World Cup qualifier in Angola today Saturday, BSNSports.com.ng can report. D'Tigers lost the tournament opener to Cape Verde (79-71) and will face the group leaders Mali who defeated Uganda (76-66) in the second group A game on Friday. Mali and Cape Verde have two points each following their wins on Friday. The 2015 Afrobasket champions recorded 81-73 win over Mali at the 2021 Afrobasket championship in August. Speaking ahead of their second group A game against Mali, former D'Tigers players, Osita Nwachukwu, blamed the loss to Cape Verde on fatigue adding that they had no opportunity to train together under a new coach, Julius Nwosu, who due to lack of time and proper training couldn't study and understand the players before the first game. He believed that D'Tigers will still qualify despite the shaky start. "D'Tigers lost the match to Cape Verde due to fatigue and lack of training time ahead of the opener." Osita who is based in the USA told BSN Sports. "Some of the players arrived in Angola a day to the match and had no chance to train together. In fact the coach was handling them for the first time doesn't know the full strength of each players. But they've learnt a lot and the players are not happy with loss. I believe that will spur them to win the second game against Mali on Saturday morning. "I am optimistic that D'Tigers will still qualify from the group, Nigerians just need to be patient with them. “We have to transition, run and shoot the ball from the three-point line at a high level. If we do, we will give ourselves a chance in the next game." Osita concluded. D'Tigers will take on Mali today, Saturday at 11 am (Nigerian time).