Golden Moments In Nigerian Sports: 2019 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Final

Nigerian women’s national basketball team, the D’Tigress, established dominance as an African basketball powerhouse in the 2019 edition of the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship in Senegal.

After beating Mali, 79-58 in the semi-final of the event, the coach Otis Hugely tutored side was up against the Senegalese national women’s basketball team in the final of the tournament on Sunday, August 18, 2019.

Owing to the fact that the Senegalese were playing in front of their home fans, they were favourites to clinch the title won by Nigeria in 2017. The Dakar Arena had about 15,000 spectators cheering both sides on, with the majority being Senegalese fans.

Captained by Adaora Elonu, the Nigerians did not let the pressure of the home fans get to them as they beat the hosts, 60-55 points to retain the title and make history as only the second country to win back-to-back FIBA Women’s Afrobasket titles after Angola achieved the same feat in 2011 and 2013.

Nigeria began the game in brilliant fashion, winning the first quarter by 14-10 points, and would extend their lead in the second quarter with an 18-14 point scoreline. After the D’Tigress won the third quarter by 18-13 points, Senegal fought back and won the fourth quarter, 18-12 points, but it was too late as the D’Tigress triumphed.

Evelyn Akhator was impressive in the final for Nigeria. The basketball centre posted 14 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals to finish the match as Nigeria’s top performer. Akhator’s numbers were more impressive than that of Senegal’s top performer, Marie Diop, who scored a total of 12 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal.

Also, the win meant that Nigeria had its fourth FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title after beating Senegal in 2017 to win the country’s third trophy.

Sources:

Channels TV

Sahara Reporters

The Cable NG

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ugo-chinedu

I am a Lion, I love to hit heights that seem impossible so I can motivate others and prove doubters wrong. For me, impossible is nothing. I'm open to learning and I love to read, travel and meet new faces.

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