RADES (AfroBasket 2015) - Chamberlain Oguchi may have sat out AfroBasket 2013 due to administrative reasons, but he emerged on Wednesday ready to take Nigeria to new height as they beat the Central African Republic (CAF) 88-63 in Day 1 of Group A action at AfroBasket 2015 in Rades, Tunisia.
Although Portland Trail Blazers new recruit Al-Farouq Aminu finished with a team-high 15 points, Oguchi proved to be the game-changer.
Turning Point: CAF took a 29-27 lead on a Johan Grebongo's three-pointer midway through the second quarter. Then Oguchi thought it was time to turn things around and made two straight baskets from beyond the arc that energised Nigeria to a comfortable 49-35 half-time lead.
Although Portland Trail Blazers new recruit Al-Farouq Aminu finished with a team-high 15 points, Oguchi proved to be the game-changer.
Turning Point: CAF took a 29-27 lead on a Johan Grebongo's three-pointer midway through the second quarter. Then Oguchi thought it was time to turn things around and made two straight baskets from beyond the arc that energised Nigeria to a comfortable 49-35 half-time lead.
Stats Don't Lie: Nigeria out-rebounded CAF 51-24, and making only 30 percent of their field goal proved costly for the Central Africans.
Game Hero: Oguchi's 14 points epitomised his impact in the game. He appears to be Nigeria's most efficient three-pointer as his 4-of-7 shooting from three-point range suggested.
The Bottom Line: It took Nigeria most of the first two quarters to move away from CAF, but it didn't come without a fight from the Central African's Destin Damachoua who never gave up and led the way with 15 points. Showing clearly more athleticism as well as scoring options, Nigeria opened their bid to qualify directly for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics with a comprehensive triumph over a team they demolished a couple of years. With the exception of Jamal Olasewere, all Nigerian players contributed at least two points. The Nigerians also confirmed their favouritism in group A although they won’t face the host nation until Sunday 23 August.
Game Hero: Oguchi's 14 points epitomised his impact in the game. He appears to be Nigeria's most efficient three-pointer as his 4-of-7 shooting from three-point range suggested.
The Bottom Line: It took Nigeria most of the first two quarters to move away from CAF, but it didn't come without a fight from the Central African's Destin Damachoua who never gave up and led the way with 15 points. Showing clearly more athleticism as well as scoring options, Nigeria opened their bid to qualify directly for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics with a comprehensive triumph over a team they demolished a couple of years. With the exception of Jamal Olasewere, all Nigerian players contributed at least two points. The Nigerians also confirmed their favouritism in group A although they won’t face the host nation until Sunday 23 August.
By: FIBA.com
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