The Nigeria women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have emerged champions of Africa again following their thrilling 84-74 win over Senegal in the final of the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket tournament at the BK Arena, in the Rwandan capital, Kigali.
D’Tigress achievement on Saturday is historic as the Nigerian Ladies have become only the second team ever after Senegal to win four consecutive titles.
Nigeria’s D’Tigress had waited for 12 years without a title before ending the drought in 2017 as they were crowned champions .
The Nigerian Ladies followed up with victories in 2019, 2021 and now 2023 in superb fashion.
Amy Okonkwo started brightly for D’Tigress by getting the team their first two points in the first quarter.
D’Tigress controlled the first quarter winning it 19-10. Rena Wakama’s side continued their dominance in the second quarter though the margin was narrower; winning it 24-21, with a 43-31 point lead at half time.
Senegal came back fighting after half time. Their efforts paid off as they won the third quarter 26-19, reducing Nigeria’s lead to just five points going into the final quarter.
D’Tigress stepped up their game in the final quarter as they were able to see off the challenge from the Senegalese ladies.
D’Tigress won the nervy last quarter 22-17 and effectively won the game 84-74.
The coach of D’Tigress, Rena Wakama also becomes the first female coach to ever win the Afrobasket title.
Next for D’Tigress is the Olympic qualifiers which is around the corner.
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