Angola 57-48 Nigeria: Ogoh Odaudu says, ‘We lost, and we lost very well’

Angola were far from playing a convincing and attractive game, but they managed to beat Nigeria 57-48 and advanced to the 2023 FIBA AfroCan Quarter-Finals.
The tournament hosts turned the ball over 30 times, but Nigeria could only score 19 points off Angola’s sloppy plays.

While the Angolans remain undefeated (2-0), Nigeria dropped to 1-1 in Group C.
Nigeria coach, Ogoh Odaudu, says his side deserved to lose the game.

‘The game against Angola was tough. We dug ourselves into a hole early in the first two quarters and we just couldn’t find our way out. You don’t
expect to win a basketball game by committing 23 turnovers and giving up 15 offensive boards.

‘We have to do a good job at protecting our board and knowing how to start the game strong. We lost, and we lost very well’, said Ogoh Odaudu.

Kanyisola Odufuwa opened the score with a two-point play that gave Nigeria their only lead of the game before Glofate Buiamba hit a three-point that put
Angola in front and they never trailed again.

At some point, Angola led by as many as 22 points.

And despite outscoring Angola 15-8 in the final quarter, Nigeria paid the price for allowing easy baskets early in the game.

Although Glofate Buiamba – the only Angola to score in double figures – finished with 13 points, Wilson Cassav came off the bench to change the dynamic of
the game for Angola, finishing with eight points and eight rebounds in 19 minutes.

Cassav was 4 for 4 from the field, although he missed his two free-throw attempts.

Angola coach Anibal Moreira chose to praise his players’ effort rather than single out one player: “I am glad we came up with the win even though we had 30
turnovers,” said the former Olympian point guard.