History was made today as Nigeria’s D’Tigress emerged victorious 83-74 in a thrilling showdown against Senegal in the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Final, Reelradio.com.ng reports.
The highly anticipated clash, held at the BK Arena, in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, lived up to its billing as one of the most evenly-matched Finals in the tournament’s history with Nigeria winning .
From experienced to talented players, both teams displayed exceptional skills and determination throughout the championship game. In the end, Nigeria secured an impressive victory, lifting the trophy for the fourth time in a row, an outstanding feat in the annals of women’s basketball in Africa.
Nigeria started the game brightly taking the first quarter 19-10 but the second quarter was not as easy as the first as the Senegalese came out stronger but D’Tigress held on to win the quarter 24-21.
The Senegalese were the better side in the third quarter taking it 26-19. D’Tigress, however showed championship character in the fourth quarter outscoring their West African counterpart.
Amy Okonkwo in 37 minutes put up 14 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and provided two assists.
Ifunaya Okoro added 16 points and four assists and two steals in 23 minutes.
Elizabeth Balogun in 35 minutes produced 15 points, two assists, five rebounds and two blocks.
D’Tigress newly appointed Head Coach Rena Wakama, also became the first woman to lead a team to the Afrobasket title.
The victory means that D’Tigress will now compete for a spot at the women’s basketball event of the 2024 Olympics.
