Manager of Ghana’s 3×3 Basketball Contingent at the 13th African Games, Dr. Eric Opoku-Antwi, has pinned Ghana’s loss to Nigeria in the Women’s Division quarterfinal on “technicalities” and “inexperience”.
Ghana blew a five point lead and ended up losing 17-19 to Nigeria in overtime to crash out of the competition. The game was tied on 17 points at the end of regulation but Nigeria’s Isioma Onianwa scored a jump shot to sink the African Games host nation.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Citi Sports after the loss, Dr. Opoku-Antwi highlighted the areas that cost Ghana a place in the semifinals.
“I think a bit of technicalities and a bit of inexperience. We should have used more of our drives when it was four minutes left on the clock and Nigeria was in foul trouble meaning that every foul (they commit) we get to shoot two free throws to close out the game.”
An Intense showdown between Ghana and Nigeria in the 3×3 women’s basketball quarter-finals at #Accra2023. The game stretched into overtime after ending 17-17 in the regulation period. Here’s how Nigeria secured the win and advanced to the semis. #CitiSports pic.twitter.com/vJDpCrZZk1
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) March 21, 2024
“We are learning from it, it is a good experience for everybody” he added.
In the men’s division, Ghana beat Burkina Faso 19-17 to set up a semifinal clash against Botswana on Friday, March 22 at 17:00 GMT.