Nigeria’s female basketball team D’Tigress survived a late scare from Mozambique as they defeated the hosts 57 – 48 in the FIBA Olympics Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Maputo.
The African Champions dashed into a 6 point lead early in the game before the hosts recorded their first points of the game.
Despite opening a 13 point lead (8 – 21) at the end of the first quarter and extending it further by 19 points (19 – 38) at half time, the African Champions never really kicked into gear as Mozambique began to ride on the cheers of their home fans to cut down the deficit.
Mozambique won the third and fourth quarter (16 – 8, 13 – 11) cutting down the deficit to 9 points as the D’Tigress held on for a crucial win.
Top performers for Nigeria include Adaora Elonu who had 12 points and 9 rebounds in 30 minutes, Evelyn Akhator with 9 points, 12 rebounds and 1 assist in 27 minutes while Ezinne Kalu finished with 7 rebounds and 3 assists in 34 minutes. Atonye Nyingifa was not left out of the action as she recorded 10 points in 22 minutes.
By virtue of this victory Nigeria’s D’Tigress will now play Mali on Sunday in the semi-finals for a place in the final of the FIBA Olympics Pre-Qualifying Tournament.
Photo Credit: FIBA
