By Osaro Matthew
The senior female basketball team of Nigeria, D’ Tigress started their FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Antwerp, Belgium on a high by defeating Senegal 72-65, platinumnewsng.com is reporting.
The African derby took place on Thursday, February 8, as the D’Tigress now sit top of the group with two points, followed by the USA with two points after defeating the host nation, Belgium. Belgium and Senegal have 0 points after game one with the latter sitting bottom of the group.
Coach Rena Wakama’s side started on a high leading 20-18 in the first quarter but they found themselves behind as Senegal finished the second quarter leading D’Tigress 46-37.
The 2023 Afrobasket champions, Nigeria, tried to turn the table in the third quarter but fell short as the third quarter ended 57-49.
The runners-up of the 2023 Afrobasket and 11 times champions of the Afrobasket Tournament, Senegal, could not keep up the tempo as the 6-time Afrobasket champions, Nigeria won the game 72-65.
It was a neck-to-neck battle that saw Amy Okonkwo earn the TCL player of the game with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
At the end of the game, D’Tigress coach, Rena Wakama said, “It was beautiful as a coach to see them come together and fight back when things weren’t going their way”.
D’Tigress will be hoping to qualify for the Olympics in an emphatic style after starting on a good note against their African counterpart.