Nigeria senior men’s national team, D’Tigers will play no part in the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup scheduled to hold from August 25 to September 10.

The D’Tigers lost their third Group E game 59-65 to Angola on Sunday.

Prior to tipoff, their fate to the world cup had already been decided following Cape Verde’s win over already qualified Coted I’voire.

Nigeria needed a win against Angola and also needed Coted I’voire to defeat Cape Verde to ensure they finish third in Group E ahead of Cape Verde.

Despite knowing there was little to play for against Angola, the D’Tigers gave it their all on court.

Angola started off strong with an 18-15 lead in the first quarter and extended their lead in the second to 17.

D’Tigers shook off the 17 point deficit at half time, fought back to outscore the Angolans 21-11 in the fourth but it wasn’t enough for a win.

Cape Verde join Egypt, South Sudan, Angola and Coted I’voire as the five African teams heading to the FIBA World Cup to be co-hosted by Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.

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