Izuchukwu Okosi
Nigeria’s women’s basketball national team D’Tigress late Wednesday night progressed to the semifinals of the 2023 FIBA Afrobasketball Championship as they beat a spirited Mozambique 59-52 at the BK Arena to set up a semifinals clash against hosts Rwanda.
D’Tigress overcame Egypt in their last group game to qualify for the quarterfinals clash against Mozambique.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe victory in Wednesday over Mozambique sees D’Tigress coached by Rena Wakama extending their unbeaten run on the African continent to 22 matches.
The Nigerians had to rally back after the Mozambicans took the first quartet 18-16, by taking the second quarter 15-13 and took the advantages into the first half break at 33-29.
Nigeros forward, Amy Okonkwo once again proved to be a contender for the Player of the Tournament as she won 17 points over four sets.
The delectable star also claimed seven rebounds. Another stalwart of the team, Elizabeth Balogun had 12 points overall and six rebounds.
D’Tigress will face hosts Rwanda in the semifinals later today (Thursday) edged past Uganda 66-61 in one of the quarterfinals duels on Wednesday.
Nigeria have a better head-to-head record against Rwanda with a 6-2 advantage, winning their last four meetings.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
