By JOE APU
Nigeria has defeated arch rivals Senegal by 78-70 to emerge winner of the 2023 FIBA AfroBasket Women’s title inside the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
The win against Senegal makes it the fourth straight win since 2017 and the 6th title for D’Tigress. It is also the eight-time Nigeria is beating the Teranga Lionesses in their 12 meetings.
Nigeria started the game on a promising note winning the first two quarters 19-10 and 24-21 to go into the break with a 43-29 lead. The third quarter however was not that of the Nigerian women as the Senegalese women came back fighting with a score of 21-19 in their favour.
The last quarter however was the turning point as the wards of Coach Rena Wakama stepped up their pace with a 21-17 score to close the game and secure a fourth straight title.
Ifunaya Okoro led in scoring for Nigeria with 16 points followed by Elizabeth Balogun while Sarah Ogoke added 13 points.
Senegal’s Cierra Janay Dillard, Yacine Diop and Oumoul Khairy Sarr Coulibaly scored 19, 16 and 12 points respectively but it was not enough to see them over Nigeria.
Meanwhile, two years after finishing second, Mali eased past Rwanda to clinch the Third-Place at the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.
Mali outclassed hosts Rwanda 89-52 to conclude their campaign with a 4-1 mark.
The Malians faced some resistance from Rwanda, but when the Eagles switched to “attack” mode, they embarked on a one-sided affair, making Rwanda look hopeless.