FIBA Women's Afrobasket: D'Tigress roar into final with big win over Rwanda
The Nigeria national women’s basketball team, fondly referred to as D'Tigress, continued their remarkable journey in the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket tournament, securing a resounding victory over hosts Rwanda to secure a coveted place in the tournament's final.
In a display of skill and determination, D'Tigress achieved a decisive triumph over their opponents, outshining Rwanda with a commanding scoreline of 79-48.
With this victory, the Nigerian team has positioned themselves on the brink of an astounding fourth consecutive African championship title.
Following a closely-fought quarter-final encounter against Mozambique, where nerves were tested, D'Tigress showcased their prowess right from the onset in the semi-final clash against Rwanda.
The first quarter witnessed an explosive offensive performance from the Nigerian side, resulting in a substantial lead of 22-6.
The momentum was sustained into the second quarter, as D'Tigress continued to dominate with a 22-12 lead, culminating in an impressive halftime advantage of 44-18.
Riding on the fervent support of the home crowd at the BK Arena, the Rwanda Ladies exhibited a spirited fightback in the third quarter, winning the period 17-14 in their determined bid to narrow the gap.
However, under the watchful guidance of Coach Wakama, D'Tigress responded with unwavering determination in the final quarter.
With a display of tactical brilliance and tenacity, they clinched the last quarter with a scoreline of 21-13, ultimately sealing a resounding 79-48 victory that propelled them into the championship final and a step closer to a historic fourth consecutive title.
In yet another standout performance, Amy Okonkwo showcased her exceptional talent, contributing a staggering 23 points along with 10 rebounds, reinforcing her pivotal role as a star performer for D'Tigress.
The tournament's intensity is set to escalate as Senegal and Mali prepare to clash later tonight, vying for the opportunity to challenge Nigeria in the upcoming final on Sunday. The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as these formidable teams vie for supremacy in the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket championship
