TRIPOLI (Libya) - Robinson Opong led his Uganda Silverbacks to a crucial 63-60 win over Group B favourites Cape Verde to move closer to securing a place at the 2025 AfroBasket.
In the same group, Nigeria, uncharacteristically bottom of the standings with three points, picked up their first win to revive their hopes of qualifying for the continental showpiece.
First quarter onslaught carries Uganda over Cape Verde
Emanuel Trovoada's Cape Verde needed a win over Uganda to qualify with two games to spare, but Opong combined with the returning Ishmael Wainwright to run rings around the Islanders.
Opong, who still holds the record for most points in a game, scored 22 points and added two rebounds and as many steals. He shot 50% from the floor, hitting six of his 12 attempts as Uganda finished with ten treys.
Wainwright, for his part, scored 16 - the only other double figures for a single player for Mandy Juruni's team - and added seven rebounds, three assists and two steals, but a staggering eight turnovers affected his efficiency. In the end, his 12 points in the first quarter, which Uganda dominated 22-12, proved to be the game changer.
The 11 lead changes are a clear indication of how hard Cape Verde fought after trailing by 11 points at one stage. A 29% conversion rate (9 of 31) from beyond the arc hurt Cape Verde's comeback attempts.
Nigeria upset hosts for first win
A 75-70 comeback win for Abdulrahman Mohammed's Nigeria over Group B hosts Libya revived qualification hopes for the highly-ranked West Africans, who find themselves in unfamiliar territory at the bottom of the standings.
Nigeria had a window to forget in February 2024, going winless after losses to Cape Verde, Libya and Uganda. In the opening game, Libya stunned Nigeria 89-82 to announce their return to competitive African basketball.
Libya led 35-32 at half-time, but their joy was short-lived as Nigeria came back to take the lead in the third quarter with a 20-16 victory.
Fouad Bou Chakra's Libya were clinical with the ball, turning it over just six times while punishing Nigeria's 18 for 24. The North Africans dominated the paint 40-28, but it was not enough to see them through.
Caleb Agada led the new-look D'Tigers with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The win leaves Nigeria on five points, one behind Libya and Uganda, who are tied on points.
FIBA