The Nation Newspaper

Tag: D’Tigress

  • D’Tigress battle Australia in group opener

    African Champions, D’Tigress will test their might against the world’s best as the West African side today begins their quest for honours at the 2018 FIBA Women’s World Basketball Cup campaign against Australia today at 12:30am (Nigerian time).

    D’Tigress, who are ranked 34th in the world by FIBA, will battle world number four – Australia at the San Cristobal de La Laguna, Santiago Martin Arena in Tenerife.

    Without any previous record of meeting, both sides’ target will be starting the tournament on a strong note with a win.

    D’Tigress Head Coach Otis Hughley is confident of his team’s readiness to confront any opposition.

    “We were born ready for this. There is no point in coming to such events like this just to add to the numbers. We have done what we should have done within the time allowed for training and the general consensus in the team is that we are good to go.”

    D’Tigress having enjoyed an unprecedented support from the leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) is determined to repay the faith with world class performance at the highest stage of world basketball.

    Team captain, Adaora Elonu said they are grateful to the NBBF. “We can’t thank the federation enough for this level of preparation. I have been around the national team set up for a while and I can confidently say this is the first time we’ve had this type of preparation.”

    She said the team is not under pressure heading into their first game as she promised that the girls are determined to try their best at the World Cup.

    Besiktas of Turkey player, Evelyn Ahkator while echoing her team mates’ belief said that as African Champions, the onus lies on them not just to fly the Nigerian flag alone but that of every other basketball playing nation in Africa.

    “In 2017, nobody believed we could win the Afrobasket in Mali. It is our time to prove to the world that Nigeria is not a push over.”

    The team will be hoping to make history as the first African team to win a world cup match and also record their first victory at the world stage.

  • NBBF sacks D’Tigress coach, Vincent

    The Nigeria Basketball Federation ( NBBF ) has ended its relationship with the Head Coach of the Senior Women’s Basketball team, Sam Vincent.

    NBBF Media Officer, Afolabi Oni, in a statement on Friday said the decision was taken after extensive consultations and assessment of the team’s progress in camp ahead of the 2018 FIBA Women World Cup in Tenerife, Spain.

    A a letter signed by the NBBF President, Engr Musa Kida, said the decision was taken in the best interest of all parties involved and the long term interest of the D’Tigress.

    NBBF stated that the numerous conflicting commitments of the 55-year-old coach had affected his duties as the coach of the women national team.

    It quoted the letter stating in part that, “The NBBF has been monitoring the situation in Atlanta closely and we are not satisfied with a lot of things.

    ”You left the National Women’s Team Camp in Atlanta since Friday July 27, 2018, without permission from anybody and you have continuously remained absent.

    ”Following investigations, the 2017 Afrobasket winning coach was found guilty of abandoning the team due to other conflicting professional engagements within the United States of America where the team is currently camped.

    ”In view of the importance of giving the team the best of preparation for the World Cup as to make a mark in Spain, the NBBF decided it needed a coach who will spend more time in camp preparing the team.

    Read Also: NBBFstakeholders meeting: Constitution drafting committee to begin work – Kida

    “Be informed that you are hereby relieved of your appointment as our National Women’s Coach, to allow you concentrate better on your other activities.”

    The NBBF thanked Vincent for qualifying the team for the World Cup by winning the 2017 Afrobasket Championship in Atlanta and wished him all the best in his future endeavors.

    The board has promised to compensate him for the services rendered while with the team.

    In the meantime, D’Tigress assistant coach, Peter Ahmedu will take charge of team’s preparation for the World Cup to be assisted by Sola Shomala until a new coach is appointed.

  • Ogoke-Ejiogu eyes medal with D’Tigress

    D’Tigress point and shooting guard, Sarah Ogoke Ejiogu has said she will use the Spanish League Division two play off to prepare herself for the FIBA World coming in Spain from September 22 to 30.

    Ogoke-Ejiogu, who is in her second year with Celta, stated that the play offs, which will take place at the end of next month, would aid her performance at the World Cup. She also noted that the Sam Vincent-led technical crew has the wherewithal to lead the team to glory.

    The 2017 Afrobasket winner, who is hoping to lead her team to the Spanish Basketball League first division, said the first task before the team at the World Cup is to qualify from the group which also has Argentina, Australia and Turkey.

    “I am using this Spanish League Two Playoffs as a stepping stone to doing greater things at the World Cup. Our chances are very good, especially with our current coaches. The first goal is to get out of our pool. That in itself will be history. Then the fight to try and get a medal will continue,” she added.

    “Of course, the other teams are better ranked because this is obviously our first time going to the World Cup long while. They are good teams but we are also impressive and we will surely turn some heads this summer. I don’t have any doubts we can shock some countries,” Ejiogu added.

    She noted that the experience of Coach Vincent, a former NBA head coach of Michael Jordan’s Charlotte team, will surely come in handy when hostilities begin at the World Cup. “Sam Vincent has the experience to lead us to success. Without any disrespect to Mfom Udoka and other trailblazers, I think the current crop of players have the potential to do better.

    “This is a new era of Nigerian women basketball. Things are different and we are ready to make our country proud. Our goal is a top 5 finish or even win a medal. But it’s important to take things one step at a time. Nigeria has never gotten out of its group. But I am confident we can do that this year. If that happens then anything is possible,”Ejiogu added.

  • FIBA Women Basketball World Cup: ‘Hunger for glory can propel D’Tigress’

    The D’Tigress forward, Cecilia Okoye has said the Nigerian team needs to be well prepared and hungry for glory at the FIBA Women Basketball World Cup in Tenerife, Spain from September 22 to 30.

    The Nigerian team is drawn in Group B alongside Argentina, Australia and Turkey – countries that are better ranked than Nigeria. However, Okoye believes that the team’s target which is the same as every country should propel Nigeria to shock the world.

    “We will need to be well prepared and be hungry for the gold. The target of course will be the same as every country competing to win the World Cup and I hope we can shock the world if we get our acts together.”

    While stating that it will be difficult to rate the D’Tigress’ opponent at the moment, she, however, admitted that it would not be easy to come out tops in the group but expressed optimism in the team’s ability to qualify from the group.

    The 2017 Afrobasket winner told NationSport that she is preparing for the World Cup by making sure she gets the right preparation, push herself to be better everyday, changing the way she eats and what she eats.

  • DOMINIQUE WILSON…American gal in love with D’TIGRESS

    DOMINIQUE WILSON…American gal in love with D’TIGRESS

    Her style of play belies her ability on the court. She moves like a player who is not interested in the proceeding, someone who is just on the team to make up the numbers.

    But as a point guard, Dominque Wilson is expected to assert herself physically on the game. She is supposed to be tough during games either when taking the ball forward or stopping the opposition point guard from bringing the ball to her team’s side of the court.

     However, the native of Georgia relies more on wisdom to outwit her opponents rather than raw strength. Though she is not averse to being physical on the court, she, however, feels that basketball is 80 per cent brain work and 20 per cent grit.

    She exhibited these traits at her first professional tournament at the FIBA African Champions Cup for Women (ACCW) where she played for First Bank Basketball Club. The American endeared herself to the rest of Africa with her sleek style of play and propelled the Nigerian team to third place, finishing among the best five and winning the highest point scorer at the championship, deposing the likes of Lucas Italee Malina of Inter Club and Dongue Leia Tania do Bastic of Primerio Agosto of Angola.

    Having joined the team  at the start of the championship in Luanda, no one including  her teammates and coaches would have thought she would have so much impact .She even got to Luanda six hours before  the First Bank contingent as she  waited patiently to meet her  would-be teammates.

    In the first game, the  5.8 point guard led her team in scoring and deservedly  got the approval of Coach Peter Ahmedu to take over scoring duty.

     She was flawless from the three point line and delivered passes that led to more goals for his team. Her delivery from the free throw line was spot-on and immediately became the star of the team. But she was still not satisfied as she felt that she had more in her tank.

    Wilson became the main stay of the team and dictated the play throughout the tournament. Even when things were not going well with the team, her calm demeanour gave her team mates assurance that all will be well.

     “I am happy to come to Africa and play basketball. I hope I will become the player of my dream as I progress in my career,” she offered while sharing sundry matters with ADEYINKA ADEDIPE. Read on…

     

    In the beginning

    As a kid, Wilson can be described as an ‘all-rounder’. She experimented with different sports and she became versatile: “Honestly when I was very little, I did a lot of different sports. I was the only girl in the family. I had my two cousins and my younger brother as companions. I had no choice, but to engage in different sport with them; I played soccer, did karate, American football, volleyball, did track and field and also engaged in cross country races.”

    As she advanced in age, she limited her participation to two sports – soccer and basketball. But again, she had a difficult choice to make. Eventually, she settled for basketball. She also had the blessing of her parent, which, she said, was key to her career.

    She said: “My parents were happy that I took part basketball but they were quick to point out that I had to take my studies seriously. For them, it was school first. They told me that I had to make good grades or else, I would have to stop playing. I also settled for basketball because I had a lot of friends who were playing the game so, I was encouraged to join them.”

    Going to high school  

    After her elementary school, the 23-year-old moved to McEachern High School in Georgia where she had the opportunity to develop her skill in the game. The school had a good programme and Wilson was sure she would enjoy studying and playing basketball at the school. She also played AAU League during the summer, which also gave her the chance to showcase her talent to colleges who were on the lookout for talented players.

    “Georgia basketball is one of the best and it is very competitive,” she recalled. “ I played at the top level at McEachern and the high school league in Georgia was very competitive. We had a good basketball programme, which helped me develop my game.

    “During summer, I played in the AAU League for Georgia Peaches, Pistols and Athletics of Tomorrow (AOT), which also brought me in contact with the best high school players. I got all the exposure I needed to also improve as a players and it was also a competition where colleges pick players.”

    Due to her decent performance, her jersey was rested by the school authorities and rated one of the best players to have featured for the school.  She was rated a four-star guard by ESPN HoopGurlz, led the Indians to a state title and a No. 2 national ranking in her senior season and named first team all-state as a senior. She also led McEachern to four-straight state championship game appearances, reached the 1000-point plateau as a junior and averaged 13.0 points per game that season and graduated with a 3.7 GPA in science.

    College basketball

    Her splendid performance caught the eye of Arkansas where she schooled and played for one season 2011. At Arkansas, she made 19 starts and played in all 33 games for the Razorbacks. The team finished with a 20-13 record and made it to the third round of the Postseason WNIT. She averaged 6.6 points and 2.5 rebounds in 23 minutes per game and started 14 of the final 15 games of the season as well as averaged 8.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists over that stretch.

    She scored in double figures on nine occasions, becoming the first Arkansas player since 2006 to score 17 or more points in three-consecutive games. She also had a career-best 19 points in a triple-overtime win at Alabama, added 18 points in a win over Missouri and 17 points against No. 8 Kentucky.

    In 2012, she transferred to North Carolina on scholarship. She also had several offers from Richmond, Duke and others, but she settled for North Carolina. According to her, she chose North Carolina because it was close to her home. She played in the ACC Atlantic Coast Conference. She, however, did not play in her first year at North Carolina because of NCAA transfer rules.

    Wilson was not bothered about her inactivity in her first year at North Carolina, but was focused on doing well as soon as she had the chance to get into the team: “I was not bothered about playing in the first year at North Carolina, but I was strong-minded and knew I will take my chance. I played with the likes of Myre Spence, Jennifer Mathron, Chelsea Nelson, Carlee Schumacher, Ashley Williams, Akhela Maize, among others.”

    Combining studies and basketball at North Carolina was easy as the school management ensured that their athletes did not suffer educationally.

    “It was not difficult to combine both (basketball and education),” she explained. “We had different members of staff that helped the team in the classroom. For school, we had tutors and advisers that helped us greatly. The coaches also make sure you had good schedule while on the road.”

    In her final year at North Carolina, Wilson was named All-ACC First Team in a vote of the league’s coaches, named All-ACC Second Team in a vote of the league’s Blue Ribbon Panel, started all 32 of the Wolfpack’s games, averaging 31.4 minutes, 13.9 points (led the team in scoring for the second straight season), 3.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.

    She finished the season ranked number 22 nationally in FT percentage (.867), recorded the fifth best FT shooting season in programme history and ends her career as the second most accurate FT shooter in programme history at 324-382 (.848). Despite playing just three seasons at North Carolina State, she ends her career ranked seventh in programme history with 163 made 3FG. She also Scored 50 points in her last two career games (23 in NCAAT win over Auburn and 27 in NCAAT loss at No. 14/15 Texas). She scored 10+ points 23 times during her senior season and 20+ points five times and ends her career with 84 games of 10+ points in 96 opportunities, ranking tied for ninth all-time, Wilson also made at least four FG in 19 of the Wolfpack’s 32 games and ends her career ranked 19th in programme history with 1,375 points scored at NC State.

    Coming to Africa

    After Upe Atosu left First Bank Basketball Club for the United States of America after the D’Tigress Afrobasket win in Mali in August, Coach Peter Ahmedu contacted former international, Mactabene Amachree, to help secure the services of a brilliant point guard.

    Amachree, who is Wilson’s agent, talked to her player and the family and a deal was struck. she secured her Nigerian visa late so she was told to join the team in Angola for the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women (ACCW).

    In Angola, she showed maturity and despite her young age and became the darling of the fans and little wonder she was voted among the top five and was also the highest score at the championship.

    She offered: “I got to know about First Bank BC through Amachree who I have known since I was in eighth grade. She played in the Women National Basketball League (WNBA), but now plays in Israel.

    “She contacted me multiple times about different teams but I had to figure out if I wanted to play because I was injured in my last season at the College. So, the priority for me was to get stronger but she convinced me to come to Africa to play my first professional tournament with First Bank.

    “At first it was overwhelming. The coach yelled a lot acting as if I had been with the team for over a month, not minding that I just joined the team.

    “I had to learn how to play with the team quickly. So, after training I thought about the plays so much because I knew I had an important role to play in the team. It was a challenging experience but I am happy I took the chance. I have reported back to her and we are looking into the future. Right now, I will stay in shape as I await my next move,” she added.

    Sport-loving family

    The Wilsons are a sport family. Her father, Damon played football at Georgia Tech, while her brothers were instrumental to her playing basketball. Her boyfriend, Dennis Smith Junior, plays for the Mavericks in the NBA. Wilson father is now a basketball coach and she is proud of him.

    Next move

    Wilson, who missed being drafted by a WNBA team, hopes to find her way into the European league in the nearest future: “I would have loved to play in the WNBA. I was contacted by Connecticut and Washington through my agent but their interest cooled off few days to the commencement of the league

    “I had to come to Africa to play for First Bank at the ACCW. Right now, Mac T (Amachree) is talking to teams in the Euro league and hopefully something good will come my way.”

    Playing for Nigeria

    After excelling with First Bank Basketball Club at the ACCW in Angola last November, Wilson is keen to play for D’Tigress, if offered a chance: “Playing for the Nigerian team would be fun fulfilling; I get the feeling that it would be a nice experience if one considers how good it was playing for First Bank at the ACCW. The players were friendly and accommodating and I’m sure of experiencing the same if I get to play for the Nigeria.

    “But as a pro, it is all about who pays more. I will come because I don’t turn down offers for no reasons. My decision will also depend on my mother and Mac T, who have been around the game for so long,” she enthused.

  • DOMINQUE WILSON: American gal in love with D’TIGRESS

    DOMINQUE WILSON: American gal in love with D’TIGRESS

    Her style of play belies her ability on the court. She moves like a player who is not interested in the proceeding, someone who is just on the team to make up the numbers.

    But as a point guard, Dominque Wilson is expected to assert herself physically on the game. She is supposed to be tough during games either when taking the ball forward or stopping the opposition point guard from bringing the ball to her team’s side of the court.

     However, the native of Georgia relies more on wisdom to outwit her opponents rather than raw strength. Though she is not averse to being physical on the court, she, however, feels that basketball is 80 per cent brain work and 20 per cent grit.

    She exhibited these traits at her first professional tournament at the FIBA African Champions Cup for Women (ACCW) where she played for First Bank Basketball Club. The American endeared herself to the rest of Africa with her sleek style of play and propelled the Nigerian team to third place, finishing among the best five and winning the highest point scorer at the championship, deposing the likes of Lucas Italee Malina of Inter Club and Dongue Leia Tania do Bastic of Primerio Agosto of Angola.

    Having joined the team  at the start of the championship in Luanda, no one including  her teammates and coaches would have thought she would have so much impact .She even got to Luanda six hours before  the First Bank contingent as she  waited patiently to meet her  would-be teammates.

    In the first game, the  5.8 point guard led her team in scoring and deservedly  got the approval of Coach Peter Ahmedu to take over scoring duty.

     She was flawless from the three point line and delivered passes that led to more goals for his team. Her delivery from the free throw line was spot-on and immediately became the star of the team. But she was still not satisfied as she felt that she had more in her tank.

    Wilson became the main stay of the team and dictated the play throughout the tournament. Even when things were not going well with the team, her calm demeanour gave her team mates assurance that all will be well.

     “I am happy to come to Africa and play basketball. I hope I will become the player of my dream as I progress in my career,” she offered while sharing sundry matters with ADEYINKA ADEDIPE. Read on…

    In the beginning

    As a kid, Wilson can be described as an ‘all-rounder’. She experimented with different sports and she became versatile: “Honestly when I was very little, I did a lot of different sports. I was the only girl in the family. I had my two cousins and my younger brother as companions. I had no choice, but to engage in different sport with them; I played soccer, did karate, American football, volleyball, did track and field and also engaged in cross country races.”

    As she advanced in age, she limited her participation to two sports – soccer and basketball. But again, she had a difficult choice to make. Eventually, she settled for basketball. She also had the blessing of her parent, which, she said, was key to her career.

    She said: “My parents were happy that I took part basketball but they were quick to point out that I had to take my studies seriously. For them, it was school first. They told me that I had to make good grades or else, I would have to stop playing. I also settled for basketball because I had a lot of friends who were playing the game so, I was encouraged to join them.”

    Going to high school  

    After her elementary school, the 23-year-old moved to McEachern High School in Georgia where she had the opportunity to develop her skill in the game. The school had a good programme and Wilson was sure she would enjoy studying and playing basketball at the school. She also played AAU League during the summer, which also gave her the chance to showcase her talent to colleges who were on the lookout for talented players.

    “Georgia basketball is one of the best and it is very competitive,” she recalled. “ I played at the top level at McEachern and the high school league in Georgia was very competitive. We had a good basketball programme, which helped me develop my game.

    “During summer, I played in the AAU League for Georgia Peaches, Pistols and Athletics of Tomorrow (AOT), which also brought me in contact with the best high school players. I got all the exposure I needed to also improve as a players and it was also a competition where colleges pick players.”

    Due to her decent performance, her jersey was rested by the school authorities and rated one of the best players to have featured for the school.  She was rated a four-star guard by ESPN HoopGurlz, led the Indians to a state title and a No. 2 national ranking in her senior season and named first team all-state as a senior. She also led McEachern to four-straight state championship game appearances, reached the 1000-point plateau as a junior and averaged 13.0 points per game that season and graduated with a 3.7 GPA in science.

    College basketball

    Her splendid performance caught the eye of Arkansas where she schooled and played for one season 2011. At Arkansas, she made 19 starts and played in all 33 games for the Razorbacks. The team finished with a 20-13 record and made it to the third round of the Postseason WNIT. She averaged 6.6 points and 2.5 rebounds in 23 minutes per game and started 14 of the final 15 games of the season as well as averaged 8.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists over that stretch.

    She scored in double figures on nine occasions, becoming the first Arkansas player since 2006 to score 17 or more points in three-consecutive games. She also had a career-best 19 points in a triple-overtime win at Alabama, added 18 points in a win over Missouri and 17 points against No. 8 Kentucky.

    In 2012, she transferred to North Carolina on scholarship. She also had several offers from Richmond, Duke and others, but she settled for North Carolina. According to her, she chose North Carolina because it was close to her home. She played in the ACC Atlantic Coast Conference. She, however, did not play in her first year at North Carolina because of NCAA transfer rules.

    Wilson was not bothered about her inactivity in her first year at North Carolina, but was focused on doing well as soon as she had the chance to get into the team: “I was not bothered about playing in the first year at North Carolina, but I was strong-minded and knew I will take my chance. I played with the likes of Myre Spence, Jennifer Mathron, Chelsea Nelson, Carlee Schumacher, Ashley Williams, Akhela Maize, among others.”

    Combining studies and basketball at North Carolina was easy as the school management ensured that their athletes did not suffer educationally.

    “It was not difficult to combine both (basketball and education),” she explained. “We had different members of staff that helped the team in the classroom. For school, we had tutors and advisers that helped us greatly. The coaches also make sure you had good schedule while on the road.”

    In her final year at North Carolina, Wilson was named All-ACC First Team in a vote of the league’s coaches, named All-ACC Second Team in a vote of the league’s Blue Ribbon Panel, started all 32 of the Wolfpack’s games, averaging 31.4 minutes, 13.9 points (led the team in scoring for the second straight season), 3.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.

    She finished the season ranked number 22 nationally in FT percentage (.867), recorded the fifth best FT shooting season in programme history and ends her career as the second most accurate FT shooter in programme history at 324-382 (.848). Despite playing just three seasons at North Carolina State, she ends her career ranked seventh in programme history with 163 made 3FG. She also Scored 50 points in her last two career games (23 in NCAAT win over Auburn and 27 in NCAAT loss at No. 14/15 Texas). She scored 10+ points 23 times during her senior season and 20+ points five times and ends her career with 84 games of 10+ points in 96 opportunities, ranking tied for ninth all-time, Wilson also made at least four FG in 19 of the Wolfpack’s 32 games and ends her career ranked 19th in programme history with 1,375 points scored at NC State.

    Coming to Africa

    After Upe Atosu left First Bank Basketball Club for the United States of America after the D’Tigress Afrobasket win in Mali in August, Coach Peter Ahmedu contacted former international, Mactabene Amachree, to help secure the services of a brilliant point guard.

    Amachree, who is Wilson’s agent, talked to her player and the family and a deal was struck. she secured her Nigerian visa late so she was told to join the team in Angola for the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women (ACCW).

    In Angola, she showed maturity and despite her young age and became the darling of the fans and little wonder she was voted among the top five and was also the highest score at the championship.

    She offered: “I got to know about First Bank BC through Amachree who I have known since I was in eighth grade. She played in the Women National Basketball League (WNBA), but now plays in Israel.

    “She contacted me multiple times about different teams but I had to figure out if I wanted to play because I was injured in my last season at the College. So, the priority for me was to get stronger but she convinced me to come to Africa to play my first professional tournament with First Bank.

    “At first it was overwhelming. The coach yelled a lot acting as if I had been with the team for over a month, not minding that I just joined the team.

    “I had to learn how to play with the team quickly. So, after training I thought about the plays so much because I knew I had an important role to play in the team. It was a challenging experience but I am happy I took the chance. I have reported back to her and we are looking into the future. Right now, I will stay in shape as I await my next move,” she added.

    Sport-loving family

    The Wilsons are a sport family. Her father, Damon played football at Georgia Tech, while her brothers were instrumental to her playing basketball. Her boyfriend, Dennis Smith Junior, plays for the Mavericks in the NBA. Wilson father is now a basketball coach and she is proud of him.

    Next move

    Wilson, who missed being drafted by a WNBA team, hopes to find her way into the European league in the nearest future: “I would have loved to play in the WNBA. I was contacted by Connecticut and Washington through my agent but their interest cooled off few days to the commencement of the league

    “I had to come to Africa to play for First Bank at the ACCW. Right now, Mac T (Amachree) is talking to teams in the Euro league and hopefully something good will come my way.”

    Playing for Nigeria

    After excelling with First Bank Basketball Club at the ACCW in Angola last November, Wilson is keen to play for D’Tigress, if offered a chance: “Playing for the Nigerian team would be fun fulfilling; I get the feeling that it would be a nice experience if one considers how good it was playing for First Bank at the ACCW. The players were friendly and accommodating and I’m sure of experiencing the same if I get to play for the Nigeria.

    “But as a pro, it is all about who pays more. I will come because I don’t turn down offers for no reasons. My decision will also depend on my mother and Mac T, who have been around the game for so long,” she enthused.

  • D’Tigress draws Turkey, Argentina and Australia

    D’Tigress draws Turkey, Argentina and Australia

     

    African champions, D’Tigress have been grouped alongside Turkey, Argentina and Australia for the 2018 FIBA women’s World Cup taking place in Tenerife, Spain.

    At a ceremony held Tuesday at the Teatro Leal, San Cristobal de la Laguna, Spain, Nigeria was drawn in group B for the biggest women basketball tournament coming up from September 22 to 30.

    The team will be hoping to surpass their 2006 outing where they lost all their group games against China, Russia and United States before suffering another defeat in the classification game against Senegal to finish 16th.

    Dallas Wings player and one of the most influential Nigerians in the WNBA, Evelyn Akhator said, “I think it will be a great outing for us being drawn alongside Australia, Turkey and Argentina. I have watched the Turkish national team play and I am confident that we will surmount them. On the other hand Australia and Argentina, we will give a good fight with all hopes of winning.”

    A buoyant Akhator who powered the D’Tigress to their Afrobasket win in Mali believes that there is an endless world of possibilities if the team can have a good preparation coupled with relentless effort and determination of the players as well as the management.

    “A build up on our previous success at the Afrobasket would surely bear fruitful result.”

    Head coach of the side, Sam Vincent revealed that the draws has officially kick-started their preparation for the world cup and their goal of securing a medal.

    “I am excited and confident about our position in the pool.  It moves us one step closer to our goal of securing a medal in the 2018 FIBA World Cup”.

    The Vice President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Babs Ogunade expressed optimism about the team’s ability to make it out of the group which he described as ‘interesting.’

    “We are sure to make it to the next round, then one game at a time. We are the dark horses here and it is a good place to be so as to spring surprises. We have our hearts and heads in a good place.”

     

     

     

  • Ogoke-Ejiogu eyes promotion with Celta Vigo

    Ogoke-Ejiogu eyes promotion with Celta Vigo

     

    D’Tigress point guard, Sarah Ogoke-Ejiogu has revealed her desire to gain promotion to the elite division in Spain with her club, Celta Vigo.

    In an on line chat, Ogoke-Ejiogu stated that her team remains unbeaten after nine rounds, expressing hope that the run would take her team to the play offs at the end of the regular season.

    The Afrobasket winner stated that to achieve promotion, her club must continue to play well and improve in every game. “Our goal is to win the championship and ascend to league one. So, we just have to continue to improve.”

    She said last weekend’s win against Barcelona is the toughest for the team so far. “The game was a very tough one. We almost lost. The referees were clearly on the side of Barca and it was unbelievable how they kept making their shots. I have never seen so many three second calls and offensive fouls in my life going against my team.”

    “We were down by seven points with 1:51 seconds to the end of the game and we just found a way to win the game to the dismay of the home fans. The FCB organization is not a joke and beating them on their court was a big boost,” Ogoke-Ejiogu added.

    The Nigerian, who is averaging 12 points 6 rebounds and 3 assists, also hopes to improve her performance as she eyes a spot in the team that will play at the World Cup in Tenerife, Spain in September next year.

    There are 32 teams in League Two, with 16 teams in each pool. The top four teams in each group makes it to the play off, while the top two teams qualify for the first division.

     

     

     

     

     

  • FG Largess spur D’Tigress  to perform better

    FG Largess spur D’Tigress  to perform better

    Captain of the D’Tigress, the 2017 Women FIBA Africa cup of nations’ title team, Aisha Mohammed says the latest gesture by the Federal Government to pay them 17.5million naira as earlier promised by President Muhammadu Buhari will spur the team to do better in future.
    Speaking on her team mates’ behalf after receiving the transaction alert of 1m which is her own share of the presidential reward, the captain said the move was timely as they head into 2018 which is the FIBA women’s world cup year.
    “I can confirm that we have received our money as promised when we went to present the trophy we won in Mali to Mr President. On behalf of the team, I will like to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung for making this a reality.
    “We must also not forget sports loving Nigerians who were supporting us while we were battling to bring glory to our motherland.”
    Aisha said the recent action by his Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari is a bold statement of intent ahead of their preparation for the world cup.
    “We believe that his Excellency will make funds available through the Ministry of Sports for adequate preparation. Like we have continued to maintain, we don’t intend to participate at the 2018 FIBA world cup just to make up the numbers, we want to show the world that we can compete favourably with the best in the world.”
    In the same vein, the Most Valuable Player of the tournament and Dallas Wings’ player, Evelyn Akhator is optimistic that the recent gesture will help in swaying Nigerians making waves in leagues across Europe and America to come back home and represent their fatherland.
    The WNBA star who is currently contracted to Dynamo Novosibirsk in the Russian league said the presidential largesse did not just boost the morale of the team, but will also send a message to others that “Nigeria will never ignore any of its own.
    “I know that the NBBF is trying to talk to many Nigerian girls in the WNBA and also top leagues in Europe to beef up the team for the world cup.
    The recent act by the government will in no small way play a role in convincing them to pledge their international future to Nigeria.”
    Players were paid 1million naira each while the 5 Technical crew each got 500,0000 naira.

  • D’Tigress will shock the world in Spain – Nwaigwe

    D’Tigress will shock the world in Spain – Nwaigwe

     

    Ugochi Nicole Nwaigwe is one of the players that won the Afrobasket for Women in Mali three months ago and qualifying automatically for the World Cup in Spain in June. The post players, who is currently representing First Bank Basketball Club at the FIBA African Champions Cup for Women in Angola told

    Adeyinka Adedipe  that the D’Tigress would spring a surprise in Spain.

    The desire of every athlete, either in the amateur or professional rank, is to win accolade and become renowned. However, to achieve fame, the athlete needs to work hard and be ready for any challenge at all times. And this is what D’Tigress’ Ugochi Nicole Nwaigwe has decided to do in order achieve her desire of playing for the national team at the World Cup next year in Spain.

    The Nigerian-American, who is currently representing First Bank Basketball Club at the FIBA

    Africa Champions Cup for Women (ACCW) in Angola, stated that the Nigerian team has the potential to shock the world despite the fact that it would go into the championship as an underdog.

    According to her, playing for her country of origin is an honour she would forever relish. “I feel honoured to have played for Nigeria. Playing in the team that won the Afrobasket in Mali for the first time in 12 years is an accomplishment I will forever relish. Winning the championship meant a lot to me and my family. It was amazing and the members of the team still keep in touch to discuss what we need to do to play well at the World Cup.”

    She is proud of herself for the achievement, but she wouldn’t have made the team if she didn’t have a change of heart to battle for a spot at the training camps that took place in the US and Nigeria. “At first when I got the call I didn’t take it too seriously, having been dropped from the team that played the Brazil 2016 Olympic qualifiers in France.

    “But when I got to the training camp, I talked to myself, changed my mindset and decided that I will fight for a place in the team. I didn’t let the challenge shake me, I worked really hard and I earned a place in the team, which was one of the exciting days in my life,” Nwaigwe added.

    She continued: “After I missed the Olympic qualifier, I promised myself that it will not happen again. I played in Spain last year so I prepared for the Afrobasket 10 times more than playing professionally. Nothing in the world compares to playing for Nigeria and I was proud to be part of a team that had players that I grew up with.”

    She is aware of the fact that playing at the world stage is a different ball game considering the top teams that would be at the event. She is, however, adamant that the D’Tigress can prosper in Spain if they have the same mentality that they took to Mali, while also assuring that she will again fight harder than the last time to make the team.

    “Now I have to work harder to be in the team to Spain. There will be stiff competition for spaces considering that more qualified players will be invited to camp ahead of the World Cup. I will have to be in Cyprus to play for the Yakin Dogu University team in the second division, where I hope to keep myself in shape for the World Championship.

    “We are all excited by our success in Mali. We did something magical and we love the reaction we got form the government, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), our families, Nigerians and even FIBA, who also think we can go to Spain and shock the world. We have players who play in some good clubs around the world and all we need to do is to go to Spain with right mentality.

    With our achievement, national team coaches and players will be afraid of us. We have it all,” she added.

    For Nwaigwe, the ACCW hasn’t gone according to plan as she has struggled for form, a development, which gives her sleepless night. However, she is keen to redeem herself before the competition ends tomorrow. She linked her current travail to her fear of failure.

    “I am afraid of failure. When I make mistakes it hangs on me like a dark cloud and it is difficult for me to get over it. I made a couple of mistake in our first game against Equity Bank of Kenya and I am yet to recover from them, though I thank the coaches for showing understanding and still giving me the chance to have some minutes under my belt.

    “The problem has been with me since I was 12 years old and I have been told by my former coach to get help. I am a straight A student, but basketball seems the most difficult thing for me to do. However, my passion for the game has kept me going and I will surely come through the present problem and help my team do well,” Nwaigwe added.

    While admitting that she is a quiet person who looks inward to solve her problem, she is not averse to having a psychologist on sport teams. “I think it will be nice to have psychologist

    who could help athletes solve their respective problems. My team mates have helped me a couple of times, but having to work with a psychologist will help a great deal.”

    Despite having to play in Europe, Nwaigwe is optimistic that she would one day have the opportunity to play in the WNBA. “The WNBA is definitely the best league in the world and I will

    like to play in one of the team. But the problem is you need to attend one of the big name schools in America to be able to get a chance.

    “A player also needs the right connection to get into the WNBA training camp, while players from abroad must have incredible statistic to get a chance to play in the league. I hope with time I

    will get the opportunity to play in the league,” Nwaigwe added.

    For Nigerian players who nurse the ambition of playing at the World Cup, Nwaigwe has this advice for them – ‘work hard, go to Spain and shock the world’.