By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigeria’s D’Tigeress beats its West African neighbour Cote d’Ivoire 72-56 points, to qualify for the semi-final of the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship ongoing in Cameroon.
The match was played at the Multipurpose Sports Complex, Yaounde, Cameroon, this afternoon.
The Nigerian girls showed their class and started like a house on fire, as they dominated and won the 1st quarter 24-8 points.
Cote d’Ivoire team put up a little resistance in the 2nd quarter but eventually succumbed to the technical superiority of D’Tigeress as the quarter ended 19-13 points in favour of Nigeria, with the 1st half ending 43-21 points.
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The beginning of the 2nd half was fairly even between the two West African sides, but Nigeria edged the 3rd quarter 16-14 points.
Not willing to give in, the Ivorian girls roared back in the final quarter, as they drastically reduced the deficit, outscoring the more experienced Nigerian side 21-13 points and ending the game 72-56 points in favour of the defending champion, Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Ezinne Kalu, was the best performer on the day, as she scored 17 points, had 4 rebounds and created 6 assists in the match.
Coach Otis Hughley Jnr led side, Nigeria will have to improve on their performances if they are to retain the title, as their performance in 2nd half of games so far, leave much to be desired.
D’Tigeress cannot afford to repeat their lacklustre showing against more accomplished opponents in the semi-final or final, as they will be punished.