FIBA Women’s AfroBasket: D’Tigress Humble Egypt

Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, defeated Egypt on Sunday 83-65 to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket event in Kigali, Rwanda.

D’Tigress, who are competing for a fourth straight continental title, intensified their pursuit of a fourth straight African title at the BK Arena after defeating DR Congo 69-35 in their opening game on Friday.

With 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 converted free throws, Amy Okonkwo excelled and helped D’Tigress easily advance to the round of eight.

Murjanatu Musa and Nicole Enabosi both made outstanding contributions, by scoring 18 points combined.

The Nigerian team led by 18-10 and 24-13 after the first and second quarters, but Egypt overtook them 19-14 in the third to reduce the difference going into the fourth.

In a closely contested fourth quarter, the North Africans made a spirited effort to retake the lead, but D’Tigress ultimately prevailed, winning the quarter 27-23 and the match 83-65.

Nigeria have now conquered Egypt three times in a row after previously defeating the North Africans in 2015 and 2017.

D’Tigress have five continental titles and have won the last three editions of the women’s AfroBasket.

The D’Tigress will be in action again on Thursday, August 3 against yet to be determined team in the quarterfinal as they continue their push to equal Senegal record of winning four back-to-back AfroBasket.