By Onochie Anibeze reporting from London
Basketball, a sport neglected so much by the Nigerian authorities, brought the country so much to cheer yesterday at the magnificent Basketball Arena here at the Olympic Games.

But it was not without tension. And the few Nigerians on the stands really suffered it. However, at the end of the day they smiled home when D’Tigers, in the first Basketball match of the 2012 Olympic Games defeated African champions, Tunisia 60-56 to begin their Olympic Games story.

Imagine shooting to a 10-3 lead in the first five minutes, ending the first quarter 18-7, the second quarter 31-15 and how relaxed your fans will be for an expected run-away victory.

But it didn’t happen that way and the game changed in the 3rd and final  quarters when Tunisia came up strongly to show  the stuff that made them Africa’s champions. The crowd cheered them as they reduced the gap and this appeared to have boosted their confidence.

With points from their captain Rzig Amin who scored 18 points(the highest in the match) Ben Romdhane Makram who scored 12 and Kechrid Maroun, another 12 point player, Tunisia was to narrow the game to 49-47.

And at this point many thought they would catch up with Nigeria and go on to lead. Ike Diogu was outstanding and helped to push Nigeria to a 57-52 lead for a five point lead many knew could be wiped out in few seconds the way the Tunisians were scoring and becoming more confident. And at 45 seconds to go Rzig heaved one three pointer that brought score to 56-54.

The game was full of drama. Tunisia were now in a hurry to get Nigeria down and they paid the price of not controlling their emotions.

They committed fouls and the free throws from Derrick Obashon restored hope for Nigeria who were to eventually leave the arena 60—56 winners. Aminu Alade scored 15 points and Ike followed with 13. Aminu Al Faroug made 10 points.