BY Idris Shehu
The D’Tigress of Nigeria defeated Senegal 72-65 in their opening game at the 2024 Olympics qualification tournament in Belgium.
Nigeria had to rally back in the fourth quarter to snatch the game from the Senegalese at the Sportpaleis, Antewerps, on Thursday.
The Rena Wakama-led ladies were ahead by 20-18 in the first quarter. But they fell apart in the second quarter, trailing Senegal 46-37 by halftime.
Nigeria continued the struggle into the third quarter, where they earned several turnovers, but the shooting was far from impressive, and it ended 57-49.
However, the team resumed the final quarter reinvigorated. Amy Okonkwo, the most valuable player at the 2023 Afrobasket, bagged some vital points that tilted the game’s balance.
The African champions held on for a 7-point lead over their opponents in a crucial first game of the qualification series.
Okonkwo led D’Tigress with 21 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, followed by Sarah Ogoke with eleven points.
D’Tigress were drawn against the US, Senegal and Belgium for this tournament.
Nigeria will face the US in their second game on Friday before facing Belgium on Sunday.
The top three teams from the group will qualify for the women’s basketball event of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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