Nigeria's national female basketball side, D'Tigress have qualified for the 2022 Female World Cup which will hold in Sydney, Australia in September and October. The Nigerian side defeated Mali 73-69 to end the tournament with two victories and two losses.


The team had previously lost to China 90–76 on February 10th and then defeated France (the 5th best team in the world) 67–65.

Nigeria also defeated Mali to win the Afrobasket tournament in Cameroon last year.

Nigeria survive Mali rally to take last ticket on offer in Belgrade

13/02/2022

BELGRADE (Serbia) - Nigeria will fly the flag for Africa at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 in Sydney after they scooped up the last available ticket on offer in Belgrade.

Following on from the euphoria of their historic win against France, they repeated that feeling of joy, but also mixed with a palpable sense of relief by completing a 73-69 victory against Continental rivals Mali.

Coasting with a 21-point lead, Nigeria almost self-destructed as Mali turned up the defensive pressure, dragging it back to a one-shot game inside the last minute. However, Nigeria managed to cling on and seal back-to-back appearances at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.

"I think fatigue set in and only having one point guard made it tough against a team in survival mode," reflected Nigeria head coach, Otis Hughley Jr. after the final buzzer had sounded.

"But seriously, hats off to Mali and their undying effort. Credit to their coach who did such an amazing job and Mali almost flipped the script."

"But our girls took the punch and we're off to Sydney - we're just happy about that," he added.


Promise delivered

Promise Amukamara had 10 points and 8 assists and the playmaker added: "This tournament was very special for us. We battled through a lot of adversity. I had to step up and take on the point guard and leader role. I am not very vocal, so that was a challenge for me."

"I think this tournament was the best one for us, because we had to put absolutely everything together with no training camp or preparation. We really believed in ourselves."

She continued: "Now we just have to get back healthy and the sky is the limit. We have already shocked a lot of the world. We won't be just turning up (in Sydney), we will have a different mindset and will be reaching for the Quarter-Finals."

D'Tigress join host nation Australia, Serbia, France, China, and Korea in advancing to Sydney via the Serbian capital, while Mali reflect on an opportunity lost to make history and reach the main event for the first time.

FIBA

https://www.fiba.basketball/womensbasketballworldcup/2022/qt/serbia/news/nigeria-survive-mali-rally-to-take-last-ticket-on-offer-in-belgrade



Here are highlights of the game.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR0h8oJcuaU

Atonye Niyingifa's amazing performance against Mali.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz3Txa9b9EM


Pic 1) Victoria Macaulay.

Pic 2) Odera Chidom

Pic 3) Promise Amukamara

Pictures.

Success to you Ladies.

The world is waiting. Congratulations

Sydney, here we come!

naptu2:
3

we are expecting the thread.
Ajibade scored a brace
Oshoala scored a goal

Congratulations!
A bit feat!