FIBA Afrobasket: Uganda Stops Giants Nigeria to Storm Quarter Finals

Uganda’s National Basketball team, the Silverbacks, have stormed the quarterfinals of the Afrobasket tournament in Kigali Arena in Rwanda.  The Silverbacks stunned Nigeria 80-66 in a historical game to produce one of their greatest performance.     

Nigeria looked a better team before the kickoff of the game. However, the Silverbacks looked fresh and grabbed the lead right from tip-off, with good shots helping them to lead the first quarter by a 12-point deference (24-12).

They continued dominating the game and by the end of the second quarter, Uganda was counting 44-31. Nigeria put up a challenge at the start of the third quarter but could not level the game. Uganda continued playing well with a couple of 3s from Robinson Opong settling the puzzle for team Uganda.  

By the end of the fourth quarter, the score sheet had gone back to Uganda’s favour ending the game in 80-66. The Silverbacks enjoyed a master class performance from Robinson Opong, who garnered 19 points recording 60% from 3-point range while Arthur Kaluma and Deng Geu scored 11 points each.  

Star player Ishmail Wainright also produced another masterclass performance with a triple-double of 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. The US-based player has been impeccable throughout the whole tournament.

 

Uganda was recovering from the shock  of Sunday after falling to South Sudan 88-86 in their third game of group D. However, a win for Uganda over giants Nigeria becomes an energy booster ahead of their first-ever quarter-final at the continental championship  

Before the kickoff of the game, Uganda Basketball President, Naser Sserunjoji said that their game was hanging in balance because of the failure by the Federation to clear the arrears for their stay in Kigali.  

He revealed that the needed over Shillings 360milion to clear their bills for accommodation, participation fees to FIBA and many other expenses.   He said the team is operating on Credit.