Afrobasket Championship: Watch highlights of Nigeria’s dramatic win over Cote d’Ivoire in Opening game

Defending champions D’Tigers started their defence to the title in a triumphant way by defeating a resilient Cote d’Ivoire side 78-77 in Rades.

Ike Diogu was the hero for the team as he did a bit of everything during his 33 minutes on the court. He led all scorers with a game-high 31 points and also finished with eight rebounds as Nigeria saw off a resilient Cote d’Ivoire side, who were leading 74-69 with three minutes remaining.

Reigning Champions Nigeria ??? take tight victory over Cote d’Ivoire! #AfroBasket2017

? https://t.co/y27MIjZ8WD pic.twitter.com/eSCBW6f0X9

— FIBA (@FIBA) September 8, 2017

In the other Group A game, Mali and the Democratic Republic of Congo needed extra five minutes to find the winner of a breathtaking encounter as Mahamadou Kante‘s team-best 22 points proved crucial for Mali who outscored Congo 87-82.

Here are the results of the remaining opening fixtures of the tournament.

#AfroBasket2017 – Here are the results of the 1st Day ??

? https://t.co/r2TP9TYoWU
?️ https://t.co/nfRedvxC7i pic.twitter.com/WaKqvYEIGy

— FIBA (@FIBA) September 9, 2017

Nigeria’s D’Tigers and D’Tigress are the current King and Queen of African Basketball after winning the title in 2015 and 2017 respectively.

Watch video below: