DTigers shock Baltic Giants
by Iwedi Ojinmah 05 July 2012, 05:21
On paper Nigeria stood no chance.
Against Venezuela she had distribution problems and in Lithuania she was now facing arguably the best passing team at the OQT. Furthermore ranked 5th in the world this very same team had decimated the same Venezuela that squeaked by Nigeria by two. The writing was on the wall.
But this is why they actually play the game because Nigeria shrugged off the pussy cat effect on Tuesday and tonight played like true Tigers. From the moment Skinn took the ball to the net during the games first attack the Nigerians never looked back.
Their Guard play was spectacular as were Messers Aminu and Aminu. The younger one especially was a trouble maker during the entire session, passing correctly and banging down earth shaking dunks. Even Ibekwes foul trouble again could not derail the West Africans all round performance.
And they were promptly rewarded for their effort by throtling the much fancied Europeans 86-80 in what has to be the upset of the tournament so far.
The Nigerians brought a physical game that was as tough as nails. It complimented an even more defenceive game. You know that one that had flickered on and off against the South Americans but shone like a floodlight tonight.
Considered one of the best teams in Africa along with Senegal and of course Angola D Tigers American imports proved to be just as good as the creme of Europe and simply outmuscled them.
At the end of the day it was the drums of the travelling faithful as the Lithuanian fans are called that fell silent and it was the Nigerian drummers that pounded away celebrating the euphoria of their huge victory which now also eliminated hosts Venezuela.
