Olympic qualifiers: Okonkwo powers D’Tigress to opening win News

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Olympic qualifiers: Okonkwo powers D’Tigress to opening win

By Daily Sports Nigeria on February 9, 2024

Africa’s best women’s basketball player for a reason, Amy Okonkwo, was the star of the game as Nigeria defeated perennial arch-rivals Senegal 72-65 in their first game of the 2024 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Antwerp, Belgium on Thursday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

After trailing in the second and third quarters, Okonkwo and Lauren Ebo made crucial contributions in the fourth quarter to help the African champions to a big win as they edged closer to qualifying for the Olympics in Paris.

Coach Rena Wakama started with quintet Elizabeth Balogun, Blessing Ejiofor, Pallas Akpanah, Sarah Ogoke and Amy Okonkwo.

Ogoke got the first basket after throwing a three-point but the Senegalese fought back instantly to take the lead just a few minutes later before two consecutive baskets from Nigeria saw them retain their lead (9-7).

Ejiofor caused some problems for the Lionesses but D’Tigress gave away more fouls in the opening quarter, giving Senegal opportunities to come back into the game.

After a thrilling first quarter, the game ended 20-18 in favour of Nigeria.

Senegal dominated the second quarter outscoring Nigeria 28-17 to take the game to 46-37, a nine-point lead before the break.

Forward Yacine Diop and point guard Cierra Dilliard commanded the pace in the first half overpowering the Nigeria defence.

Diop had 21 points, two rebounds and one assist, while Dillard contributed 11 points, six assists and three rebounds at the end of the first half.

Nigeria, in the third quarter, managed to crawl back into the game winning 12-11 but came out smoking in the fourth, scoring 11 straight points to get back into the game and lead by a point, but they never took their foot off the pedal.

Okonkwo finished the game with 21 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and one block, while Ogoke and Ebo had 11 points apiece. Promise Amukamara and Mujarnatu Musa had eight points each.

D’Tigress face world champions the United States on Friday (today).

Source Punch Ng

Posted February 9, 2024