This archive report was first published on 21 July 2019.
On Saturday, July 20, 2019, The Morans made history by defeating Nigeria 81-69 at the Palais Des Sports Salamatu Maiga arena in Bamako, Mali, in a crucial match at the Africa Nations Championships.
The Kenyan team, who had lost their opening match 65-82 to the Democratic Republic of Congo, showed a marked improvement against the strong Nigerians, whom they had never beaten before in the history of Africa's men basketball.
Denmark-based Tyler Okari led the Kenyan team's statistics with a game-high 31 points, nine assists, and four steals. Ariel Okal and Eric Mutoro also played crucial roles, scoring 12 points each.
Kenya led 16-13 in the first quarter and 18-10 in the second, taking a 34-23 lead at the break. However, Nigeria came back strong in the third quarter, winning 23-19 and putting pressure on Kenya's head coach, Cliff Owuor.
But the Kenyans regrouped and applied pressure defence in the fourth quarter, outscoring Nigeria 28-17 for the sweet victory.
Other scorers for Nigeria were Ibe Abuchi (13 points), Abdulwahab Yakubu (10 points), and Abdul Yahya (10 points).
Speaking to Nyakundi Report, Kenya Basketball Federation treasurer Peter Orero praised the team's energy and predicted they would make the quarters, where they are lined up against Egypt, who are on top of Group 'D'.
