The senior women’s basketball team of Nigeria, the DTigress dug deep to secure a semi-final ticket at the ongoing Women’s Afrobasket Championship in Kigali, Rwanda after a comeback victory over Mozambique.
The DTigress extended their winning record in the competition to 22-0 which dates back to 2017 in Mali when they won the competition for the third time.
Coach Rena Wakama’s ladies started the game brightly as they led 14-6 at some point in the first quarter with Amy Okonkwo and Elizabeth Balogun making their 3-point shots. However, the Mozambicans went ton a 9-point run to close the game to a one point game with a few minutes to the end of the first quarter. Mozambique ended the first quarter with a 18-16 points lead.
Nigeria struggled against the defense of the Mozambicans in the second quarter as they were only able to make 25% from their 2-point attempt but 50% of from the 3-point line. Mozambique also struggled as they recorded just 235 shooting inside the paint but they didn’t make a basket from deep. However, but teams were ruthless from the free throw line with the DTigress maing 75% of their shots while Mozambique were 2% better.
With the team struggling to make points within the arc, coach Rena Wakama’s side replied drew fouls in the paint and they took good advantage as they recorded 80% of their attempts. The 3-point team’s shooting also improved as they recorded 66% of their attempts. Mozambique, just like the second quarter, struggled to make any point beyond the arc.
The five-time African champions led 47-43 going into the final quarter of the game having lost the first two quarters. The final quarter was keenly contested as both teams pushed for the winner. Mozambicans lead by a point with a few minutes left until the DTigress went on an 8-0 run to close the game 59-52 in favour of Nigeria.
Once again, Amy Okonkwo was impressive for the team as she scored 17 points, 6 rebounds and an assist. Elizabeth Balogun had 12 points and the same number of rebounds and assist as Amy, while Ifunaya Okoro and Murjanatu Musa who was great on defense had 9 and 8 points respectively.
The defending champions will now take on Rwanda in the semi-finals of the competition on Thursday, 3rd August 2023.
