D’Tigress grind out tough victory against Mozambique to reach Afrobasket quarter-final

The D’Tigress have qualified for the quarter-final of the ongoing Women’s Afrobasket in Cote d’Ivoire. 

The team defeated Mozambique 60-55 in their final Group D game on Monday at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan.

Nigeria had walloped Rwanda 92-45 in their first group game on Saturday.

However, against the Mozabicans, D’Tigress started a bit sluggishly.

They were down by the end of the first quarter, with Mozambique leading 13-9.

Nigeria struggled to close down the margin in the second quarter and was 28-24 in favour of Mozambique by halftime.

Rena Wakama, the D’Tigress head coach, charged the team after the break, and the third quarter was livelier for Nigeria.

By the sound of the third buzzer, D’Tigress were down by only a point with the scoreline at 43-42.

The final quarter was all Nigeria, and the team completed the comeback to seal a crucial 5-point victory.

Ezinne Kalu led D’Tigress with 16 points, three rebounds and four assists. Promise Amukamara followed with 13 points ahead of Musa Murjanatu with 12 points.

The D’Tigress are on the course for their fifth consecutive Women’s Afrobasket title.