Nigeria’s D’Tigress reach fourth AfroBasket final after Rwanda win

Nigeria’s D’Tigress have reached the final of the FIBA 2023 Women’s AfroBasket championship.

D’Tigress overpowered hosts Rwanda 79-48 in the semi-final tie on Thursday to seal a fourth straight final appearance at the competition.

Congratulations Nigeria! We did it 🇳🇬

NGA – 79
RWA – 48 pic.twitter.com/x2lCC3ac4L

— DTigress (@DtigressNG) August 3, 2023

Rena Wakama’s girls were dominant in the first quarter of the game, beating the hosts 22-6. Nigeria went into the half-time break leading with 26 points.

Drop a message for @Coach_Rena! pic.twitter.com/5jGW98cXk0

— DTigress (@DtigressNG) August 3, 2023

But in the third quarter, Rwanda reduced the lead by 16 points. It ended 58-35 in Nigeria’s favour.

Nigeria then continued their dominance in the last quarter to win the tie.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐒 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐁 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐓 🎫!

Nigeria 🇳🇬 overcame Mozambique 🇲🇿 pressure to get a 59-52 win and reach the semis!#AfroBasketWomen pic.twitter.com/lPX1y7wyFv

— FIBA Women's Afrobasket (@afrobasketwomen) August 2, 2023

The D’Tigress are to play Senegal who defeated Mali in the other semi-final. The 2023 Women’s AfroBasket final is billed for Saturday.

The Coach with the Sauce 🔥👌✨

Congratulations to @Coach_Rena 👏💪🫡

Bless your evening with the slides ✌️💫#AfroBasketWomen pic.twitter.com/51X34ThVvD

— Quadri Labaika (@BOSSMANMEDIA) August 3, 2023

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If they win the final, that will be Nigeria’s fourth continental title in a row and sixth overall.

Thursday’s win means the D’Tigress have qualified for the Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Paris 2024.

Nigeria parade the only female coach in the competition.