Nigeria defeated Senegal 84 – 74 to win a fourth consecutive FIBA Afrobasket in Kigali, Rwanda. D’Tigress as the Nigerian team is fondly called went through a tough final match to emerge champions as their fellow West African opponents gave them a tough fight.
Nigeria, like in the semi-finals against host Rwanda, won the first, second, and fourth quarters while Senegal won the third quarter to set up a nervy ending.
Nigeria won the first quarter 19 – 10 and the second quarter 24 – 21. At this point, Nigeria was leading with 12 points.
Senegal fought back in the third quarter to win 19 – 26, thereby cutting Nigeria’s lead to only five points. But, the defending champions did not relent as they eventually won the last quarter 22 – 17 to emerge champions.
Nigeria’s top performer was Elizabeth Balogun who scored 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steals, and two blocks.
Nigeria and Senegal have qualified for the 2024 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
