Nigeria kept a clean slate after breaking the Senegalese own at the finals, defeating them at their home, 60-55. The most anticipated game was more than what the fans bargained for. While the 15,000 seat capacity of the stadium was fully booked, the D'Tigress broke the hearts of home fans, and got the much needed respect they deserved. Both team had not lost any game, and this final was the decider. In 2017, Nigeria had a clean sweep of the tournament 8-0, while this year, 5-0; a total of 13-0 in two series of the tournament. Nigeria is also the second team to win back-2-back, after Angola. It must be the jersey. Team D'Tigress were at the verge of not coming into the 2017 Afrobasket Women's tournament with a kit sponsor. The previous sponsor backed out prior to the tournament, however an indigenous brand AFA Sports stepped in to provide the team with their high end jerseys. The rest is history. AFA Sports has had a high influx of demand by fans, other sports, and countries worldwide. Their innovative designs and materials are catchy and durable. Also the hard work and dedication by the General Manager, Mactabene Amarachee, who has relentlessly put her staff together, was no child's play. The former captain of the D'Tigress alongside everyone was pleased with the achievements. The coaching crew led by Otis Hughley would never be forgotten in a hurry. Otis led team Nigeria to their first ever quarter finals at the World in 2018, and led D'Tigress to a win far better than the previous. Meanwhile, Aisha Balarade nee Mohammed unlocked another achievement, by being the only player in Nigeria and probably Africa, to win four Afrobasket Women's championship. 2003,2005, 2017 and 2019.
Another new record is Dakar Arena registering biggest crowd in African basketball history. Ezinne Kalu win the tournament MVP Award with 13 points, 3.2 assists, 3 steals and 2.6 rebounds per game, while Evelyn Akhator 11 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. Both made it to the Top 5. A recap of top statistics at the finals #13 Evelyn Akhator 14 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals #23 Ezinne Kalu: 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals #10 Promise Amukamara: 12 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist All Nigerian ladies did exceptionally great in their endevours to support one another to this stage. We look forward to another exciting episode. Next stop...Olympics 2020 in Tokyo, Japan.
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With five consecutive wins, the D'Tigress of Nigeria defeat Mali, at the semi finals 79-58. A light reminder that both teams met each other at this stage, hosted by Mali in 2017. Nigeria won with a single point; 48-47. However, on neutral ground the outcome was glaring. The D'Tigress took control of the game, mostly from the first quarter with a difference of 13 points, and the Malians could not recover till the final blow of the whistle. Joy in the air, plus tension as it boils down to another rematch at the finals: Nigeria vs host team Senegal. There's no going back. This might be the toughest, but the Nigerian squad led by Otis Hughley are up to the task. The journey of a thousand miles, that began with a step is already at hand. Evelyn Akhator came up with what she's known for -double-double- with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Nigeria players came out great, but based on scoring, these are with more outstanding performance; #23 Ezinne Kalu: 19 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal #11 Adaora Elonu: 13 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals #13 Evelyn Akhator: 12 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal #21 Atonye Nyingifa: 10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assist, 1 steal, 1 block #52 Ify Ibekwe: 12 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals The campaign to defend the title continues as the D'Tigress of Nigeria beat the Democratic Republic of Congo, 79-46 to qualify for the semi-finals. At this stage, team Nigeria also qualified for the pre-qualifying Olympic tournament in Tokyo, 2020. Not just defending the title, but the higher goal, embeded into the mind of the players, streamlined their focus to making sure every move counts. The coach reiterated the importance of teamwork, to acheive more. With thier eyes set on the Olympics, they take each win one step at a time. "We are one step closer to our goal" said head coach, Otis Hughley. The Nigerian fans came in full colours to show their never ending support. D'Tigress dominated all quarters to seal the deal. #23 Ezinne Kalu 17 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals #25 Victoria Macauley 14 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal #11 Adaora Elonu: 11 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals The semi final match comes up tomorrow, against Mali; a rematch of the 2017 semi finals. The onslaught continues for the defending champions as the D'Tigress of Nigeria wiped out team Cameroon, 39-106. Led by Otis Hughley and his coaching crew, the cohesion of the players growth was glaring. Added to this, the last time both countries met at the same event was in 2015, semi finals, where Cameroon was the host. Cameroon defeated Nigeria 70-71; a single point. In less than 5 minutes into the game, the winning team started off with a 17-0 run! The Cameroonians tried to fight back to cover lost grounds, but it was too late. Game ended with a 67 point deficit, in favour of Nigeria. In an outstanding moment, four of the Nigerians players made 14 points a piece. They are listed below: #11 Adaora Elonu: 14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal; #10 Promise Amukamara: 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; #09 Aisha Balarabe: 14 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; #52 Ify Ibekwe: 14 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals; #23 Ezinne Kalu: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals. With these statistics, Nigeria is top in Points Per Game, Total Points, Field Goal Shooting, 2 Point Field Goals, Rebounds, and Efficiency. Meanwhile, the AFA Sports brand is getting the attention it deserves. High quality, comfortable outfit to suit almost anyone. Place your order at the official website. Group B: Defending champions of the Afrobasket Women, D'Tigress of Nigeria defeat Tunisia 75-26.
Led by Coach Otis Hughley plus new pieces, the Nigerian team show no sign of backing down. They dominated the game from start to finish to secure their first win of the tournament. Points were shared across all players, while testing the defence of the Tunisian side. Two players made the double-digit mark: Evelyn Akhator (13 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 1 block) and Atonye Nyingifa (12 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist). With spectacular team play both offensive and defensively, Otis Hughley and his team are set to break more grounds. They play against Cameroun on Tuesday. Kit Sponsor AFA Sports released more jaw-dropping outfits for players and officials to grace the occasion. Fans from all over can't wait to purchase the indigenous sports brand online. |
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