D’Tigress Qualify for 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup
D’Tigress have secured their place in the 2022 FIBA Women World Cup to be hosted later in the year after a 67-65 point win against France, the world number five, to qualify for the event.
With a game to spare, the team gave an outstanding performance to recover from a 17pt deficit in the first quarter to snatch a win and book their second consecutive world cup.
The second quarter of the game saw a more purposeful and dominant D’Tigress crawl their way back into the game with a 16-10pts win to close the first half 27-38.
Though not comfortable with the scores, the team led by Coach Otis Hughley applied more pressure to win the third quarter 21-14 before another impressive 19-13pts finish in the 4th quarter to secure victory.
Engr Musa Kida, President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, described the win as one which can only be achieved through hard work and commitment.
Adding that the Federation is excited about where they are and what they have been able to achieve and this is not just another result but a result that we are going to celebrate for a long time to come”.
In his words,
“We are seeing a team that learnt a lot from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2021 Afrobasket win. The growth has been steady and consistent and we are not surprised that the results have continued to bear testament to what we are trying to achieve.
“We will like to appreciate His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari for his fatherly support towards the team. The Minister of Youth and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare has also been solidly behind us through thick and thin.
“This victory and ticket would not have been possible without them.”
Second placed Nigeria will face Mali at noon tomorrow while France will hope to reclaim victory when they meet China.
