Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, known as D’Tigress, have triumphed once again, securing their fourth straight trip to the final of the 2023 Women’s Afrobasket tournament. In a remarkable display of prowess, D’Tigress soared to a resounding 79-48 victory against the host nation, Rwanda, at the BK Arena on Thursday, August 3, 2023.

This triumph comes on the heels of a hard-fought victory against Mozambique in the quarterfinals the day prior, a testament to D’Tigress’ unwavering dedication and remarkable skill. With this exhilarating win over Rwanda, the Nigerian team firmly stamped their ticket to the semifinals, earning a well-deserved spot in the championship game.

In a stunning display of dominance, D’Tigress charged onto the court with undeniable vigor, swiftly claiming a commanding 22-6 lead in the first quarter. Their momentum carried through to the second quarter, extending their advantage with a 22-12 run that left their opponents trailing by 24 points at halftime.

 

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Undeterred, Rwanda displayed their tenacity in the third quarter, narrowing the point deficit with a commendable 17-14 performance. However, D’Tigress, under the strategic guidance of their newly appointed Head Coach  Rena Wakama, mounted a powerful response. With a 21-13 victory in the fourth quarter, they concluded the game with a remarkable 31-point lead, solidifying their triumph and advancing to the much-anticipated final.

Highlighting the standout performers for D’Tigress, Olaoluwatomi Oluwayemisi Taiwo emerged as a force to be reckoned with during the encounter against Rwanda. Her contributions were invaluable, recording 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists in just 17 minutes of dynamic gameplay. Notably, Taiwo’s proficiency beyond the arc was particularly impressive, sinking four of her eight three-point attempts.

Meanwhile, Amy Okonkwo, who came off the bench, showcased her prowess by delivering pivotal shots that curtailed the opposition’s momentum. Her exceptional performance was truly remarkable, as she contributed an astounding 23 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, one block, and two assists in 34 minutes of captivating action. Her accuracy, both in field goals and from three-point range, underscored her instrumental role in securing D’Tigress’ victory.

Winning streak goes up to 23-0 for Team Nigeria 🇳🇬 as they won the semi-final against team host Rwanda 🇷🇼! 🔥#AfroBasketWomen pic.twitter.com/zQ61l26ToL

— FIBA Women's Afrobasket (@afrobasketwomen) August 3, 2023

With this resounding win, D’Tigress has secured their fourth consecutive appearance in the Women’s Afrobasket final, a remarkable achievement that reflects their unparalleled dedication and undeniable talent. The team now eagerly awaits the outcome of the clash between Senegal and Mali, poised to challenge and make history once again in their ongoing pursuit of greatness.

As the world watches in awe, D’Tigress continues to carve an inspiring legacy in the realm of women’s basketball, capturing the hearts of fans and setting an extraordinary standard of excellence on the court.