German basketball players defeat Nigeria’s dream team
Status: 6:59 a.m.
Johannes Voigtmann scores for Germany – the young team from Nigeria still lacked the serenity needed to advance
Source: dpa / Charlie Neibergall
Germany’s basketball players celebrate their first victory at the Olympics. Against Nigeria, the team of national coach Henrik Rödl has to fight for success for a long time. Because the Africans compete in Tokyo with their own dream team. Behind this is a controversial change in strategy.
Dhe exchange of blows on the field had left its mark on Maodo Lo. A small bleeding wound on the right hand of the German build-up player was evidence of an intense duel. “It was really a tough game. Nigeria played very physically and scored well, ”said the 28-year-old. However, he was not surprised by the quality of the Nigerians. “International basketball is growing. There are now NBA players everywhere. “
A few minutes earlier, the German basketball players had celebrated their first victory in the second game of the Olympic basketball tournament. At 99:92, however, the team of national coach Henrik Rödl only made the decision in the final minutes.
It was clear that it would not be easy for the German team when both teams were presented before the jump ball. Because of the twelve Nigerian players moderated by the hall spokesman in the Saitama Super Arena, eight play in the NBA. Not all of them are considered high performers in the strongest basketball league in the world, but they showed their individual class when they were warming up.
According to surveys by the US Census Bureau, around 460,000 people with Nigerian roots live in the USA. The national team is now based on a basic structure that consists of eight players who were born in the United States. In addition, three players took the plunge to North America in their youth for high school and college training.
The most prominent name in the ranks of Africans is Jahlil Okafor, who now plays for the Detroit Pistons. Six years ago, the center was selected third in the draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Josh Okogie, 22, who is regularly on the dance floor with the Minnesota Timberwolves, usually bears the greatest burden on the offensive. Mike Brown is on the sidelines. The 51-year-old coach once led the Cleveland Cavaliers into the NBA final series. He later coached the Los Angeles Lakers and was named Coach of the Year in 2009.
Nigeria’s association had even decided to set up the training camp in the States before the games. There the Africans drew attention when they defeated Team USA in a test match in Las Vegas 90:87. At the Olympic Games in London nine years ago, the Americans overran you with a difference of 83 points (73: 156).
Even Barack Obama helps out
Against Germany, coach Brown saw how his players caused problems for the Germans, especially with their athleticism. In addition, Nigeria repeatedly scored hits from the three-point line in the first half. At halftime it was 50:50. After the break, Nigeria, led by strong Jordan Nwora (Milwaukee Bucks, 33 points), even threatened to pull away.
Despite the positive development, there are also critical voices on the path taken, which the Nigerian Association consistently contradicts. “Nigerians from all parts of the world have a right to represent the country,” said Vice President Bas Ogunade recently, pointing out that the domestic league is not internationally competitive. In order to strengthen the basketball infrastructure on the African continent, Barack Obama, former US President, will act as strategic advisor to the NBA Africa.
In the exciting final phase of the second group game, however, the Africans lacked the necessary serenity. While in Germany four other players in addition to Johannes Voigtmann (19 points) scored double-digit points, the Africans often acted too hastily and relied too much on individual actions. A 14-0 run finally ensured the Germans victory.
Before the Olympics, some basketball experts counted Nigeria among the secret favorites. After the clear defeat at the beginning against Australia (67:84) the second setback followed. Nigeria simply lacks the necessary experience for a medal, but the development of the young team (average age 25.0 years) is far from over.
“I’m so relieved that we mastered this difficult task,” said Lo after the game. After the hard-fought victory before the final game against the Australians, the German team can now continue to hope to participate in the quarter-finals. “Australia is also playing at a high level. But at least not as physically as Nigeria. “
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