Nigeria’s quest for a semifinal spot at the ongoing Afrobasket Championship in Luanda, Angola, came to an end on Wednesday after a 91–75 defeat to Senegal.
The result came barely a month after Nigeria’s D’Tigresses had beaten Senegal in the women’s final of the competition.
This time, the West African rivals got their revenge on the men’s stage.
Naija News reports that D’Tigers started brightly, edging the first quarter 24-23. But Senegal responded strongly in the second quarter with a 30-18 run, opening up a commanding 53-42 lead at halftime.
The third quarter further compounded Nigeria’s woes as they trailed 23-13, leaving them with too much ground to cover. Though they rallied late to take the fourth quarter 20-15, it was not enough to overturn the deficit.
NBA star Josh Okogie, who had dazzled in the group stage with 33 points, was effectively neutralised, managing just four points in the encounter.
Senegal’s Brancou Badio emerged as the standout performer, contributing 32 points and recording an efficiency rating of 29 per cent.
Despite the setback, Nigeria still hold the edge in the all-time head-to-head record between both countries, leading 5-4.
Meanwhile, former Super Eagles forward, Brown Ideye, has officially retired from professional football after a career that spanned nearly two decades across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Brown Ideye, 36, made the announcement on Wednesday, August 20, in a statement shared via his 𝕏 handle.
Naija News reports that Brown Ideye announced his retirement from professional football after Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club, Enyimba listed him among the players who were released from the side.
“After much thought and consideration with mixed emotions, I’ve decided to retire from professional football,” he wrote.
“I will first like to thank God for the talent and the long career I’ve enjoyed. I thank my family and friends for their unwavering love, support and understanding till this day.”
Brown Ideye, who earned 28 international caps and scored six goals for Nigeria, was a member of the Super Eagles team that lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 under the late coach Stephen Keshi.
At club level, Ideye featured in several top leagues, including the English Premier League with West Bromwich Albion, the Greek Super League with Olympiacos, and the Chinese Super League with Tianjin Teda.
He also had spells in Spain and Ukraine, establishing himself as a well-travelled and respected professional.
In his farewell note, Ideye hinted that his journey in football was not over despite hanging up his boots.
“Football will always be a part of my life as I enter my next chapter,” he added.
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