D’Tigress outclass Rwanda to reach 4th straight Afrobasket final
D’Tigress have qualified for the final of the ongoing 2023 FIBA women’s Afrobasket in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Nigerians defeated Rwanda, the hosts, 79-48 in the semifinals on Thursday to achieve the feat for the fourth consecutive time.
On Wednesday, Nigeria narrowly escaped an early scare to beat Mozambique 59-52 in the quarter-final to set up a showdown with the host in the penultimate round.
Rena Wakama, D’Tigress coach, maintained the starting five of the previous game. Amy Okonkwo, Palla Kunaiyi-Akpanah, Elizabeth Balogun, Sarah Ogoke and Blessing Ejiofor were ruthless from the tip-off.
D’Tigress blew through the Rwandans and established a 22-8 lead in the first quarter.
The Nigerians increased their dominance in the second quarter and were ahead by 44-18 at halftime.
Congratulations Nigeria! We did it 🇳🇬
AdvertisementNGA – 79
RWA – 48 pic.twitter.com/x2lCC3ac4L— DTigress (@DtigressNG) August 3, 2023
However, the Rwandans got themselves back into the game in the third quarter, which ended 58-35.
In the final quarter, Nigeria restored control and secured an outstanding 31-point victory to progress to the competition’s final.
Okonkwo led the Nigerians with 23 points, followed by Oluwayemisi Taiwo, who netted 12 points.
D’Tigress are just a step away from winning the women’s AfroBasket championships for the fourth time in a row.
The Nigerians will face the winners of the other semi-final game between Mali and Senegal in the final billed for Saturday.
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