Nigeria had to either defeat hosts Serbia, or lose by less than 33 points and also hope that the USA defeated Mozambique in order to qualify for its first Olympic tournament since 2004.

The USA defeated Mozambique and Nigeria lost to Serbia 70-64.

08/02/2020 GAME REPORT

Serbia bounce back on home soil for first win in Belgrade

BELGRADE (Serbia) - Serbia secured the first of two needed wins against African opposition this weekend as they overcame Nigeria for a tight 70-64 victory.

One of three FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament hosts, Serbia are still not yet assured of a spot at the Tokyo Olympics and will have to finish their job on the final day of action.

Turning Point: Nigeria had the edge during the early stages, but Serbia made their move with a pivotal 16-4 spell across the first and second quarters to get a 33-26 lead. There was a third successive fourth quarter comeback on Day 2 in Belgrade as Nigeria closed to within six at 59-53 before another Serbian surge sealed the deal.

Game Hero: Jelena Brooks led from the front for the hosts with 17 points, 5 assists and 3 steals, while Sonja Vasic hit big shots in the fourth to finish with a game-high 21 points to guide her side home.

Stats Don't Lie: Serbia kept finding a way back to the line and were a perfect 14-of-14 with their free throws in the first half. And their perfect record continued in the second half with six more as they made the most of their opportunities, while Nigeria were at 68 percent.

Bottom Line: Half the job done for Serbia in their quest of a weekend double over African opposition. Another win tomorrow will book their place in Tokyo, though they could advance even in defeat. Meanwhile Nigeria might not have to wait until then with a USA win over Mozambique punching their ticket.

http://www.fiba.basketball/oqtwomen/serbia/2020/news/serbia-bounce-back-on-home-soil-for-first-win-in-belgrade

Serbia vs. Nigeria highlights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skikavWcUF4

Serbia vs. Nigeria post-game press conference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfTg6Sb-Goc



However, Sarah Ogoke was not happy about the loss. Before the tournament she had been motivating herself to beat Serbia and the US.

Nneka Ogwumike played for the USA.

08/02/2020 GAME REPORT
USA breeze past Mozambique, hand Nigeria spot at the Olympics

BELGRADE (Serbia) - USA made it two wins from two with their 124-49 success against Mozambique also ensuring Nigeria qualify from Group A at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Despite their earlier defeat to Serbia, Nigeria are now guaranteed a top-three finish in the group with the hosts set for a crucial showdown with Mozambique tomorrow.

Turning Point: It was a rout from tip-to-buzzer as USA quickly asserted their authority and never looked back. A run of 16 straight points made it 45-10 early in the second period and the lead continued to grow.

Game Hero: Nneka Ogwumike showed out with 24 points on 9-of-11 shooting along with 9 rebounds with 10 players scoring at least 8+ points. Chelsea Gray was a key orchestrator of the offense with 12 assists.

Stats Don't Lie: USA's bench scored 68 points. Mozambique scored 49 as a team. And the two teams were some distance apart in the shooting percentages with USA up above 63 percent compared to their opponents' 24 percent.

Bottom Line: USA were able to spread the minutes throughout the roster in another fine tune-up and close out the tournament against Nigeria tomorrow. The decisive showdown will follow in the evening as Mozambique still have an outside shot if they can stun the hosts, Serbia.

USA vs. Mozambique highlights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L66-ZQNhQYs

USA vs. Mozambique post-game press conference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZjv1hUbWDc

Great news for Nigeria.
Congratulations girls.

The Nigerian team.

Name Age Date of birth Height Club. Country

Balogun, Elizabeth 19 – 9 September 2000 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) Louisville Cardinals United States

Ogoke, Sarah 29 – 25 June 1990 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) Clube Ferroviário Mozambique

Mohammed, Aisha 34 – 21 October 1985 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) CD Zamarat Spain

Amukamara, Promise 26 – 22 June 1993 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) Charnay France

Elonu, Adaora 29 – 28 April 1990 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) Uni Girona CB Spain

Edeferioka, Elo 26 – 10 April 1993 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) CB Vigo Spain

Akhator, Evelyn 25 – 3 February 1995 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) Flammes Carolo France

Nyingifa, Atonye 29 – 8 December 1990 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) Porta XI Ensino Spain

Kalu, Ezinne 27 – 26 June 1992 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) Landerneau Bretagne France

Imovbioh, Sarah 27 – 24 May 1992 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) Namur-Capitale Belgium

Macaulay, Victoria 29 – 7 August 1990 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) Galatasaray Turkey

Ibekwe, Ify 30 – 5 October 1989 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) Ragusa

Nawa

So we qualified because U.S won their match? Typical.

I hope they don't get trashed in the Olympics

African champion,

I know those short Ghanaians with yellow eyes won't like this

Good for them

selemempe:
So we qualified because U.S won their match? Typical.

I hope they don't get trashed in the Olympics

We qualified because we had already defeated Mozambique and the USA defeated Mozambique again. We have one loss and one victory, while Mozambique has two losses.


Nigeria Beats Mozambique 85-51 In Women's Basketball Olympics Qualifier.
https://www.nairaland.com/5674370/nigeria-beats-mozambique-85-51-womens

We also defeated Mozambique by a higher points difference than the difference between Serbia and us, therefore we are higher on the table.

P.s. The US has already qualified as World Cup winners and they are only playing this tournament just to fulfil their obligations. There are two tickets up for grabs and only Nigeria, Serbia or Mozambique can grab them.

This is the table below.

naptu12:
Nigeria had to either defeat hosts Serbia, or lose by less than 33 points and also hope that the USA defeated Mozambique in order to qualify for its first Olympic tournament since 2004.

The USA defeated Mozambique and Nigeria lost to Serbia 70-64.

However, Sarah Ogoke was not happy about the loss. Before the tournament she had been motivating herself to beat Serbia and the US.

what you call victory in a loss

Great one girls

Congrats to the naija team,,,bt dese USA ladies are crazy mehn,,,how do u win 124 - 49....damn!!

.

Why is 70% of the girls Igbos

and they're thinking of winning?

Congrats the the ladies

Job well done! Thinking of being in Tokyo for the Olympics.

tyup:
Why is 70% of the girls Igbos

and they're thinking of winning?

A clear indication that you have ran out of your antipsychotic medication.

Congratulations to them

Nneka Ogwumike is too good.

Possibly the best on that US team.

tyup:
Why is 70% of the girls Igbos

and they're thinking of winning?

Simple, because they have the winning mentality.

CSTR2:
Nneka Ogwumike is too good.
Possibly the best on that US team.

Nah! she's good but not the best.

Nomswag:

Nah! she's good but not the best.

Who is the best?

Me think she is going to wallop Nigeria like it is the civil war.

Like for the basket ball girls and Share for the boys

congrat to them

USA don carry our girl Nneka.Shame on them

CSTR2:

Who is the best?

Me think she is going to wallop Nigeria like it is the civil war.

Lol
She is definitely going to wallop Nigeria. Their best players are Diana Taurasi and Elena Delle Donne but my sister will always be the best in my ranking.
HAPPY SUNDAY.