World Cup Qualifier: We Matched Nigeria’s Energy and Physicality – Tunisia Captain

World Cup Qualifier: We Matched Nigeria’s Energy and Physicality – Tunisia Captain

Sampson Adedeji

Tunisia captain Oma Abada has disclosed that their ability to match Nigeria’s intensity and physical presence was the key to their hard-fought victory over D’Tigers, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The North Africans edged Nigeria 88-78 in the opening game of the 2027 FIBA World Cup African qualifiers on Thursday night in Rades, Tunisia.

Speaking after the game, Abada admitted that the encounter was highly challenging but praised his teammates for responding at crucial moments.

“We noticed in the second quarter that Nigeria were coming with big energy, and we introduced some players to match their energy and physicality,” he said.

“In the third quarter we were tired, but in the fourth quarter we came back strong, played offensively, and put the ball in the basket.”

The skipper emphasized that their composure in the closing stages made the difference:

“We won the game, though it was a difficult game.”

Nigeria will now look to bounce back in their next fixture as they continue their qualification campaign.