Get Guardian on Google
First Bank’s feat is remarkable as they had to claw back from a 16-point deficit to defeat the Angolans, who have been dominating the African game for a long time.
The Coach Peter Ahmedu-led First Bank had to rely on their experience to shore up their defence, while adopting the fast break to good effect in subduing the Angolans, who could not believe what happened to them.
[ad]
The Angolans held the upper hand in the first two quarters, which they won 17-11, 15-11 to lead after the first half. But they met a different First Bank in the third quarter, with the Elephant Girls winning the third and fourth quarters 22 to 15 and 19 to 7 to record the famous victory.
Nkechi Akashile led the Nigerian team with 14 points, while Magdalene Ukato had 12 points and captain, Chioma Udeaja added 11 points.
Speaking after the game, an elated Ahmedu said it was nice to beat the defending champions and win a medal at the championship.
He commended his players for pushing hard throughout the game and said without their zeal on the court it would have been difficult to win the game.
