Follow Us on Google
From JOE APU, Abidjan
Nigeria’s U18 women’s basketball team roared back from Saturday’s heartbreaking one-point loss to Cameroon, thrashing Senegal 70-40 to record their second win in three outings and secure a spot in the next round.
Coach Peter Akindele’s girls set the tone early, dominating the first half 45-18 (21-4, 24-14) to take a commanding lead into the break.
Senegal’s tactician, Pape Malick Diop, however, wasn’t done. He tightened his defence in the third quarter, disrupting Nigeria’s fast-break game, and his side edged the period 13-12.
But Akindele had an answer. He turned to his bench — Precious Aladelua, Edore Pela, Favour Anari, Nimah Ibidunni and Bisola Arowolo — and the fresh legs swung momentum right back to the Nigerians, who closed the final quarter 13-9 to seal victory.
Nigeria’s pressure told all through the contest, as they forced 34 turnovers from the Senegalese and out-muscled them on the boards, 53-45. Oluwatobiloba Owolabi paced the winners with 13 points.
Speaking after the game, Ainab Adelaja hailed her side’s fighting spirit, describing the win as hard-earned and crediting her teammates for digging deep. She expressed confidence about the knockout stage ahead, assuring that the team keeps improving with every outing.
Adelaja also dismissed suggestions that Nigeria’s earlier defeat to Senegal made Saturday’s rematch a formality, insisting no game comes easy for her side.
For Senegal, Fatoumata Sall — who top-scored for her team with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists — admitted the loss was painful, but said her side gave their best in representing their country.
