Nigeria’s D’Tigers have been kicked out from the Tokyo Olympics after suffering their third consecutive defeat in Group B including Saturday, July 31, 2021, loss to Italy.
Nigeria fell 80-71 to Italy in their third group game of the Olympics, played at the Saitama super arena.
Having lost the first game 84-65 to Australia and the second by a tight seven-point to Germany, Nigeria could have to get a chance to progress to another round if they secure a win against Italy.
In the first quarter, the team struggled against the fire-up Italians, who established a 15-point lead at one point. The D’Tigers grew into the game, but it wasn’t enough as the quarter ended 17-29 in favor of Italy.
The second quarter resumed with drama as Nigeria wrestled the lead 36-34 at a point, but it didn’t last as the Italians scored a couple of three-pointers to end halftime 40-39.
In the third quarter, the Italian grew in momentum and, via a handful of quick transitions, raced to a sizeable lead.
D’Tigers fought back and leveled the game at 46-46 before the midpoint of the game, eventually winning the quarter 63-56.
Nigeria failed to build on the advantage in the final quarter as they allowed the Italians to pick them apart and consequently win the game 80-71.
