Nigeria takes 1st AfroBasket title, on to Olympics after win over Angola
Former Oregon and Illinois State forward Champ Oguchi led the way with 19 points and seven rebounds Sunday as Nigeria claimed its first-ever FIBA Africa title with a 74-65 victory over Angola at the tournament final in Tunis, Tunisia.
The win puts Nigeria into next year's Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro - only the second Olympic men's basketball appearance for the nation.
Nigeria beat Angola in #AfroBasket2015 Final to win first-ever continental title! pic.twitter.com/BU731twx1H
— FIBA (@FIBA) August 30, 2015
By finishing second, Angola - which has won 11 African titles since 1989 - will get a chance to reach Rio through the final FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament next July. Host country Tunisia - who finished third by virtue of an 82-73 victory over Senegal earlier Sunday - will also play in the last-ditch qualifier.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Al-Farouq Aminu added 11 points and five rebounds for D'Tigers of Nigeria. He joined teammate Oguchi and Minnesota Timberwolves center Gorgui Dieng of Senegal on the all-tournament team.