Wakama, however, admitted that basketball matches are both physical and emotional.
By Kehinde Okeowo
D’Tigress head coach, Rena Wakama, has said the Nigerian ladies are determined to win their semi-final clash against Senegal at the ongoing Women’s AfroBasket.
She made this known on Thursday after the defending champions breezed past Cameroon 83-47 in their quarter-final contest at the Palais Des Sports de Treichville, Abidjan, Cote d’ivore.
The Indomitable Lionesses had a bright start, opening the game on a 4-0 run, but Nigeria fought back instantly, went up 7-4, and never looked back.
Amy Okonkwo racked up 15 points and 5 rebounds for the six-time and defending champions which ensured they led 36-18 in the first half.
With more than two players hitting double figures for the third consecutive game, Nigeria ended the.third quarter with a 66-31 lead.
With the victory, D’Tigress are now unbeaten in their last 27 outings at the Women’s AfroBasket finals.
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Saturday’s last-four contest will see Nigeria come up against their former handler, Otis Hughley, who is now in charge of Senegal.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Wakama admitted that basketball matches are both physical and emotional.
She, however, added that D’Tigress are determined to win a fifth consecutive title in Cote d’Ivoire.
She said, “On Saturday it’s going to be a great game and it will definitely be emotional for some and that is basketball. But we know our mission here and we will not allow anything to change that, but as I said it is going to be an emotional game and very physical as well.”
Senegal defeated hosts, Cote d’Ivoire 66-60 in one of the tournaments’ quarter final games to book a place in the semi-finals.
The winner of the semi-final between Nigeria and Senegal will face either Mali or South Sudan in the final.
