D’Tigress of Nigeria made history as the first Africa team to qualify for the quarterfinals of the FIBA World Cup after beating Greece 57-56 in yesterday’s quarter-final qualifying game in Tenerife, Spain.
The Nigerian team, which has recorded three wins in a row after their opening game to Australia, will now face the USA in the quarterfinals on Friday, a game that will further test the resolve of the Nigerian side.
The breath-taking encounter was a big test for the Nigerian side who had a poor final quarter but stayed strong for the historic win. The four quarters ended 15-15, 16 -11, 17- 11, 9-19.
Nigeria’s biggest performer was Evelyn Akhator who had 14 points, 13 rebounds, two assist, four steals and one block. She will have to be in a better form against the rampaging US side on Friday.
Adaora Elonu, who made four rebounds, four assists and one block, said she was very happy to be part of a history-making side, adding that the team would have to push harder against the US.
“I’m happy for us because we’ve been through a lot and our motto is to stay together and we stayed together. Greece is a really tough team. I don’t know how we pulled it off but I’m beyond happy and proud.
“It sounds really nice to play against the US. I’ve never really thought about it. I don’t know what to expect but we’re just going to keep pushing. We didn’t know what to expect from the World Cup as none of us had been here. It’s just a ride that we’re taking,” Elonu added.