Nigeria’s D’Tigress Retain FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Title

Nigeria’s D’Tigress won the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title yesterday in Dakar, defeating host Senegal 60-55 to retain the trophy they won in Mali two years ago.

It was not an easy road to the title as the hosts backed by nearly all the fans inside the 15,000 seating capacity Dakar Arena stood solidly behind the Cheikh Sarr coached team

But like D’Tigress did two years ago in Mali, Evelyn Akhator and her teammates rose up to the task to once again deliver devastating blow to the Senegalese.

Meanwhile, African champions D’Tigress have been drawn with Mozambique and DR Congo in Group A of the African Qualifiers for the Pre-Qualifying Tournament of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

The official draw ceremony featured FIBA Vice-president Hamane Niang, newly elected FIBA Africa President Anibal Manave, FIBA Africa Regional Director Alphonse Bile, members of the FIBA Africa Central Board and National Federations.

Top six teams at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Senegal will play at this tournament. The teams include: the two Finalists, hosts Senegal and the reigning champions Nigeria, Mozambique, Mali, DR Congo and Angola.

The D’Tigress of Nigeria have been drawn with Mozambique and Democratic Republic of Congo in Group A while Senegal will face Mali and Angola in Group B.

The African Qualifiers for the Pre-Qualifying Tournament of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games will take place from November 14-17 at a country yet to be determined.