Akhator, Nyingifa double-double take D’Tigress past Egypt into quarterfinals

The WNBA third round overall draft pick Evelyn Akhator’s double-double and Israel-based Atonye Nyingifa double-double helped the D’Tigress to a comfortable 106-72 win over Egypt on Sunday in Mali.

Nigeria showed total dominance against Egypt at the City Arena in Bamako Mali the venue of the 2017 FIBA Afro Basket Women championship to secure their third win of the competition and a place in the quarterfinals with two games to spare.

D’Tigress who have been improving by game came into the match against the Egyptians knowing they have to better their previous performances against Mozambique and DR Congo and they duly delivered.

Egypt made the first basket of the game after Nigeria won the ball at the start and failed to make it count, the Nigerians then raced to a 10-3 lead before ending the first quarter 20-15.

The D’Tigress however were a different class in the second quarter as they came out smoking from all angles to end the second quarter with 30-14 and went into the break leading 50-29 with WNBA prospect Evelyn Akhator already on a double-double having registerd 14 points and 10 rebounds.

The second half was same as the first ended with Akhator dominating the paint offensively and defensively to help Nigeria increased the lead to 30 points with D’Tigress having 29 points and Egypt 20.

With the score at 79-49 there was no way back for the Egyptians led by Deghady who rallied in the fourth quarter but Atonye Nyingifa who had a great game against DR Congo wouldn’t let it happen as she joined Akhator in registering double-double to ensure Nigeria advance to the next stage with games to spare.

Ezinne Kalu also contributed 18 points and 5 rebounds while Sarah Ogoke added 13 points and 5 rebounds.

Nigeria’s next game will be against Guinea on Tuesday by 12:45 pm.