D’Tigers
Satellite broadcasting outfit, StarTimes has revealed that Nigerians have the chance to watch the national men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, as they battle to defend their FIBA Afrobasket Championship title in in Tunisia.
Tunisia will host Group A, which consists of Nigeria, the DR Congo, Cote d’Ivoire and Mali with the teams that finish in top two advancing to the final phase.
While Nigeria is set to defend the African crown, DR Congo is aiming for a successful return to FIBA AfroBasket. Although Nigeria heads to Tunis with a completely new team from 2015, the defending champions emerge with arguably the most talented front court, which could be filled by NBA player, Daniel Ochefu of the Washington Wizards, as well as Deji Akindele and Akin Akingbala.
Question being asked, however, is if Nigeria can defend their FIBA AfroBasket crown. Analysts believe Nigeria is the favourite to advance from Group A, while the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and Cote d’Ivoire are likely battling for whatever is left on the table.
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Two years ago, Nigeria upset the then defending champions, Angola, to win their first-ever African title. Meanwhile, a new Federation board brought in a new coaching team, and the Nigerians will look to defend the title with a completely different team.
Nigeria is facing the Ivoirians in group A today in Tunis. Two years ago, the Ivoirians registered their worst result ever in the history of the competition. Although the former African champions won two of their five games, they claimed a 12th-place finish.
Mali, often described as one of the most talented basketball nations in Africa, will also be in Tunisia. However, Mali is yet to live up to their accolades, although they have promised time and time again to prove doubters wrong in Tunisia.
Speaking on the 2017 FIBA African qualifying encounters, Brands and Marketing Director, StarTimes, Mr. Qasim Elegbede, said his outfit is ever committed to delivering quality sporting content to its subscribers as basketball lovers can watch live the thrills and action on TV and the mobile app. He said, “FIBA Afrobasket qualifying encounters will be enjoyed by African basketball fans on the StarTimes Premium sport channel.
StarTimes has also acquired the broadcast rights of some sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup in over 48 territories in Africa, and other league games such as the Serie A, Bundesliga, French Ligue 1, Chinese Super League, Eredivisie and the Federation of International Basketball Association, FIBA, games.”
Source: G Sport
