FIBA WOMEN’S AFROBASKET: Nigeria crowned African champions for the 4th consecutive time.

Following their exciting 84-74 victory against Senegal in the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket championship final, the Nigerian national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has once again been crowned champions of Africa. The Nigerian Ladies became just the second team ever, after Senegal, to win four straight championships thanks to Saturday’s victory by D’Tigress.

D’Tigress ended the drought by being declared champions in 2017 after waiting for 12 years without a championship to show for their efforts. The club then continued its impressive winning streak with victories in 2019, 2021, and now 2023.

However, the team led by coach Rena Wakama has consistently silenced detractors since their opening match against Congo DR.

D’Tigress had sent a message that they are aiming for the top prize after crushing the hosts Rwanda in the semi-final, and that’s what they did in Saturday’s final at the BK Arena in Kigali.

Amy Okonkwo gave D’Tigress the opening two points of the game on Saturday, setting the tone for the team. D’Tigress controlled the first quarter winning it 19-10 and still had the upper hand in the second quarter though the margin was narrower; winning it 24-21.

With a 43-31 point lead at half time, D’Tigress were halfway through to achieving their target.

But as one would expect, the Senegalese Ladies came fighting back after half time and they indeed won the third quarter; 26-19 to reduce Nigeria’s lead going into the final quarter to just five points.With all to play for in the last quarter, D’Tigress stepped up their game when it mattered most and they were able to fend off the stiff challenge from the Senegalese ladies.

D’Tigress won the nervy last quarter 22-17 and effectively won the game 84-74.