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The Young Cubs, or Junior D’Tigers, received a baptism of two kinds: first, the 70-57 thrashing, from which they will have to recover quickly and better for the second game.
An Egyptian player competes against his Nigerian opponent during the AfroBasket U18. Photo | X (Queenjohn4)
Secondly, these young athletes have now witnessed first-hand, and in these early days, the harsh reality of Nigerian sports, and will be forced to normalise the challenges that may continually arise due to incompetence from the top brass, throughout their careers in the national team.
While it was a brave decision to compete anyway, the players were invariably handed over to the sharks as well; and the jury is quickly out on the quality of their play.
Never mind that two players reached double figures in points (Azeez Sulaiman 14pts, 4rebs, 4asts, 4stls and Isaac Ezekiel 11pts, 8rebs), and the efficiency at the rim of three others saw them reach double figures in rebounds (Ekpo Bassey 9pts, 12rebs, Favour Ibe 9pts, 10rebs and David Ike 4pts 11rebs).
The Cubs faced defending champions Egypt, who remain favourites to retain the title and had much better preparation for the showdown in Pretoria.
Nigeria certainly have a strong pedigree at this level, as the most successful team on the continent, but that now seems like a thing of the past.
Since last winning the AfroBasket U18 in 2006, Nigeria have only made the podium once (2008), which seems to mark the end of their era of dominance that produced 7 titles since 1987.
Egypt have since taken over and while the field may look a little competitive this year, they are still the team to beat.
Coach Caeser Admin and his boys’ next game will be on Saturday against Angola, who beat Uganda 89-73 in the other Group B match.
Nigeria’s roster for the 2024 U18 AfroBasket. Photo | X (Queenjohn4)
