MORRIS Udeze was the main man for D’Tigers of Nigeria last night in Rades, Tunisia as they earned their first win of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, beating Rwanda 75-69.
Rwanda went into the Group C World Cup qualifier against D’Tigers aiming to beat them for the first time in five games, but Udeza had other ideas.
With Rwanda leading by three (61-58) and just four seconds remaining, Prince Muhizi fouled Udeze, who converted a two-handed dunk followed by a free throw.
Udeze’s free-throw sent the game to overtime where D’Tigers outscored Rwanda 14-8 to secure the win.
Udeze completed his heroic performance with 30 points – the most by any player in Window 1 of the African Qualifiers – 10 rebounds and two assists.
Former AfroBasket champions D’Tigers, who currently rank eighth in Africa, faced all sorts of trouble to deny Rwanda, No. 14 on the continent.
Rwanda played without their key player David McCormack, who sat out with a foot injury.
D’Tigers head coach Abdulrahman Mohammed admitted Udeze’s impact on the win.
He said: “I don’t want to take some of the credit away from other guys, but if he [Morris Udeze] wasn’t here I don’t know where we would have been. We gave him a role and he embraced it.
“He’s the most gentleman I have ever coached at the national team. He is always committed, dedicated and he is always ready.
“Every time he is on the floor, he gives everything he’s got. I would like to give him credit for today’s win. He’s been fantastic.”
Nigeria closed the first round of Group C with a 1-2 record while Rwanda are 0-3.