BY Idris Shehu
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.
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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