Nigeria’s National Men’s Basketball Team (D’Tigers) Head Coach Mike Brown has stated he is trying to get momentum for the country and Africa.
He made this statement in the aftermath of bagging a shock 90-87 win over USA in a friendly game ahead of both nations participation at the Tokyo Olympics.
Nigeria shocked the defending World and Olympic Champions in the friendly encounter with Miami Heat Guard Gabe Vincent scoring a game high 21 points. Nigeria converted 20 three pointers in the contest.
Speaking after the game, the 2009 NBA Coach of the Year Award winner-Brown-pointed out the importance of the win stating:
“It’s a good win for us. I don’t think any African team has been able to beat USA Basketball in an exhibition game or a real game … We’re trying to get a little bit of momentum for Nigeria and for the continent of Africa” he said according to AlJazeera.
Nigeria is in Group B with Germany, Italy and Australia and plays Australia first on July 25. The Tokyo Olympics is Nigeria’s third Olympic appearance in a row.
USA beat Nigeria 153-76 at the 2012 Olympics.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
