Once again, the Nigerian team D’Tigress proves their skillfulness as they emerge the winner of the FIBA Women’s AfroBasketballchampionship 2023, for the fourth time in a row.
The 2023 AfroBasketball which started on the 28th of July concluded with a win by D’Tigress on the 5th of August 2023 at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
The D tigress in the match defeated the Senegal team, Lioness to a 84-74 win.
In addition to winning the African championship, Nigeria finished the Women’s season unblemished (5-0), helping the D’Tigresses extend their continental winning streak to 24-0, going back to the Women’s AfroBasket Third-Place game in Yaoundé in 2015.
Before now, the Senegal team, Lioness was the final team to win four African championships in the 1970s before Nigeria.
D’Tigress will now compete for a spot at the Women’s Basketball competition of the 2024 Olympics thanks to the victory.
D’Tigress was warmly welcomed by the First Lady of Nigeria, Remi Tinubu.
The team led by Rena Wakama has been graciously hosted by the first lady of Nigeria, Remi Tinubu in Aso Rock, Abuja after the President celebrated the win with the team.
The First Lady stated their performance on the basketball court is a monument to hard effort, discipline, and devotion to perfection, and this will encourage countless people, especially women, to follow their aspirations, according to a statement by Busola Kukoyi.
“We are incredibly grateful for the warm reception by our First Lady, H.E. Sen. Remi Tinubu earlier today,” D’Tigress stated in a statement regarding the First Lady’s welcome. It is humbling to hear Her Excellency’s wonderful words regarding our collaborative effort and dedication to excellence.
Also, a special thank you to Mrs. UlomaAkpabio, wife of the Senate President, and Mrs. Nana KashimShettima, wife of the Vice President.
“It is an honor to represent one’s own country. We hope that our accomplishments serve as an inspiration to everyone, especially young ladies, and encourage them to pursue their aspirations with tenacity. We are still dedicated to preserving our team’s ideals and representing Nigeria with honor both on and off the court.”
The first lady also promises to honour the Super Falcons football team from the FIFA Women’s World Cup for their strong performance even though they fell out of the competition.
The Real MVP’s
Amy Okonkwo emerges as the Dtigress MVP after a strong performance. She finished with 23 points,10 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Rena Wakama, newly appointed coach for the Nigeria team also made history by being the first female coach to lead the Afrobasketball Championship, thanks to D’Tigress excellent performance all through the games.
Basketball lovers all over Nigeria celebrate the D’Tigress. The team has greatly been showered with praise and bestowed honour for the excellence of making not only the team proud but also representing the country with dignity.