Diabate inspires Cote d'Ivoire over Nigeria
The third encounter between Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria in the FIBA Basketball World Cup African qualifiers proved worthy by all standards with each team showing determination to win.
ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - The third encounter between Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria in the history of the FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers proved worthy it by all standards with each team showing determination to win.
However, the will power to win showed more on the part of the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire that had the home crowd routing endlessly for them and they did not disappoint to record a 78-66 win over Nigeria.
The victory over Nigeria meant that Cote d'Ivoire remain unblemished in the Qualifiers so far.
TURNING POINT: The game remained a ding-dong affair with Cote d'Ivoire taking control from the first quarter of the game but Nigeria fought back with three-point shots from Chimezie Metu.
With the score tied at 46-46 with 4:39 minutes left on the clock in the third quarter, the Ivorians headed to the final quarter leading 60-52.
GAME HERO: Souleyman Diabate was no doubt the game-changer for Cote d'Ivoire as he brought his experience to bear on his teammates.
His impact was awesome as he was everywhere from the back court to the front court with his dribbles that forced Nigeria to commit fouls and scoring 10 points in the game.
The 35 year-old was on the court for 25:44 but his impact was felt with the energy he brought to bear on his team.
STATS DON'T LIE: In a game that was highly anticipated, Cote d'Ivoire were the more aggressive side and took the game to Nigeria. In shooting, Cote d'Ivoire were 31 for O66 as against Nigeria's 21 for 65 while in rebounds the Ivorians ere the better side with 43 against Nigeria's 39. Nigeria recorded 21 turnovers as against 19 for the home team and had 13 steals to 11 over Nigeria.
BOTTOM LINE: Cote d'Ivoire have won their seven games in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers. In fact, they have won their last 12 games in the qualifiers and looking good for their next two games in this Window.
THEY SAID: "This is a very important win for Cote d'Ivoire over Nigeria. Playing against Nigeria with two NBA players and winning means a lot to me and the game being at home. First we had to take control of the game and from the middle of the first quarter, we had it and held on to it.
Though, Nigeria was aggressive but they were not moving the ball like we did and that gave us some advantage. we want to win all our games to better our chance of going to the World Cup and we look forward to give our best in the other games." - Cote d'Ivoire forward Vafessa Fofana.
"This game against Nigeria is what everybody came for tonight and they enjoyed it. It was a great game and I think that we deserve victory but I congratulate Nigeria for the good fight they gave us. Playing the full court press was our surprise for Nigeria and it worked." - Cote d'Ivoire Head Coach Dejan Prokic.
"Scoring 23 points in this game to me is not what I came for. It's not personal for me especially when my team lost. My goal coming to Cote d'Ivoire is to give my best in helping Nigeria win. That has not happened but I will do my best to contribute more for Nigeria to get better in our other games." - Nigeria guard Josh Okogie
"Cote d'Ivoire right now is outstanding in this qualifiers and they were good tonight but 21 turnover on our part really hurt us in the game. However, we will do some clean up and better our game given the fact that this particular unit are playing together for the first time." Nigeria Coach Mfon Udofia.
FIBA