Nigeria’s D’Tigress are through to the final of the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championships as the Rena Wakama-tutored side bashed hosts – Rwanda 79-48 points yesterday in Kigali.
From the first to the second quarters, the Nigerian side dominated the encounter despite the huge support from the home fans.
Amy Okonkwo Nigeria’s best performer of the night yet again with 23 points and +30 efficiency to overwhelm the Rwandans.
Nigeria won the first quarter at 22-6points and continued their dominance in the second quarter with 22-12 points. Rwanda then came out stronger in the third quarter following the cheering from the fans to win the quarter at 17-14 points.
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However, D’Tigress blew away the Rwandans in the fourth and final quarter which they won at 21-13points and become the first team to qualify for the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT) scheduled for February 2024.
Nigeria is aiming for a fourth consecutive trophy from the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket and D’Tigress star Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah in a post-match press conference yesterday, noted that coach Wakama has impacted positively on the new team.
“We are in a good spot under Coach Wakama to repeat the feat of the last edition here in Rwanda. Our mind set for this competition was to support each other and we just try to do that as we believe in ourselves without any negativity.”
Wakama who became the first female coach to qualify for the final of the tournament, said she was looking forward to the final match against either Mali or Senegal.
“I don’t mind if any of them, just bring it on; you can also bring the two of them. We are ready for any one of them in the final,” Wakama said.
She added: “A lot of belief because once you empower people, there is a lot they can do. It is extremely easy to coach this team and once they see someone that is close to them, they feel at home. They trust me and I have been able to empower them as well in the game.”