2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket: D’Tigress defeat Egypt to pick up quarterfinal ticket
Nigeria’s D’Tigress continued to impress at the ongoing FIBA Women’s AfroBasket as they defeated Egypt in their second group D game 83-65 to qualify for the quarterfinals of the tournament in style.
Despite a lot of controversy surrounding the team in the build-up to the tournament, the Nigerians have responded in style as they look to defend their three-peat AfroBasket title. They eased past Congo DR in their opener and knew that a win over Egypt would automatically send them to the last eight after the North Africans also defeated Congo DR.
They took their good form into the second game and breezed to an early 18-10 lead by the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was more of the same, and the girls extended their advantage in healthy fashion, ending the first half with a 42-23 lead over the Egyptians.
Egypt came back fighting in the third quarter and managed to reduce the deficit by five points by the end of the quarter, with the D’Tigress still holding a 56-42 lead. The Nigerian team, however, doused any hopes of a comeback in the fourth quarter with another strong showing, extending their lead and ultimately sealing a 83-65 win.
Amy Okonkwo was on fire for the Nigerian team with 29 points, 13 rebounds and four assists in the game, and Murjanatu Musa finished with 18 points and seven rebounds. Nicole Enabosi also contributed ten points and nine rebounds in the game.
D’Tigress will face one of Cote d’Ivoire or Mozambique in the quarterfinal on Wednesday with an eye on the semifinals of the competition.
