2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket: D’Tigress storm semis after brilliant win over Mozambique

Nigeria’s D’Tigress continued to shine in Kigali as they defeated Mozambique 59-52 to reach the semifinals of the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in style.

Having come through tests against Congo DR and Egypt in the group phase, Nigeria were up against a Mozambique side that defeated Cote d’Ivoire to reach the quarterfinals.

Mozambique started strong, dominating the D’Tigress and forcing them to turnover possession multiple times. They utilised their chances well and finished the first quarter in possession of an 18-16 lead. The second quarter was more of the same as Mozambique continued to press forward in the match, leaving the Nigerian team in its wake. They were in possession of a 33-29 lead by the end of the second quarter of the encounter.

The third quarter proved to be a major turning point for D’Tigress as they tied up loose ends in their game and put on a show, ending the quarter with a 47-43 lead. Mozambique tried hard in the fourth quarter as both teams exchanged the before the D’Tigress sealed the win definitively, ending the match 59-52 to reach the last four.

Amy Okonkwo led the scoring for Nigeria for the second successive game with 17 points and six rebounds, Elizabeth Balogun added 12 points and Murjanatu Musa contributed eight points, seven rebounds three blocks in the game. The D’Tigress will face hosts Rwanda in the semifinals tomorrow (Thursday).