Earlier today in Belgrade, Serbia, Nigeria’s Women’s National Basketball Team (D’Tigress) booked its place at the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Next year’s competition is set to be staged in Australia.
Nigeria beat fellow West African nation Mali 73-69 to qualify to its second World Cup in a row; the loss is Mali’s third in the qualifying tournament and eliminates the team from qualification contention. (Click highlighted text to watch game highlights)
The win for Nigeria comes on the back of a spirited comeback performance against France that had D’Tigress overcome a 20 point deficit to win 67-65.
In a repeat of the 2021 AfroBasket Final, Nigeria saw off Mali’s rally to cinch one of three places in Group B to progress to the World Cup.
Amy Okwonkwo scored 14 points and added four rebounds to lead the Nigerian side that had three others score in double figures to clinch the four point win. Mali’s Djeneba N’Diaye led all players with 16 points.
Ahead of their matchup, China and France have secured the remaining spots from Group B to Australia.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
