Nigeria’s female basketball team D’Tigress qualified for the Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT) after defeating Mali 74-59 in the semifinals of the African pre-qualifiers on Sunday afternoon.
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It was a much improved performance from Otis Hughley’s ladies as they steadily grew into the game to eventually open a 20 point lead at half time which was eventually cut down to 15 at the end of the fourth quarter.
Of all four quarters, the reigning African Champions won the first three (14 – 11, 20 – 14, 24 – 15) before losing the final quarter by five points (15 – 20).
Ify Ibekwe who picked up a knock in the game against Mozambique emerged the top performer against Mali.
In the second semifinal of the day, hosts Mozambique pulled off a shocker defeating Senegal 56 – 49 to join Nigeria as the top two teams from the African pre-qualifiers.
By virtue of these victories, the African Champions Nigeria and Mozambique will represent Africa at the WOQT taking place next year between the 6th – 9th of February, 2020.
Photo Credit: FIBA
