2017 AfroBasket: D’Tigress in formality clash with Egypt

Nigeria’s D’Tig-ress who have qualified for the quarter-final at the ongoing FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Mali will file out today against whipping side, Guinea in their fourth group B game.

The result of today’s match remains inconsequential to D’Tigress but still important as they will use it to perfect their strategies for subsequent matches starting with tomorrow’s epic clash with 11-time winners, Senegal.

Nigeria, two-time African champions had on Sunday pipped Egypt 106-72 at the Palais des Sports Salamatou Maiga, Bamako to maintain their unbeaten run and secure the qualification ticket even with two group games left.

Evelyn Akhator posted her first double double at the tournament to lead the Sam Vincent-side with 24 points and 13 rebounds, as Jennifer Atonye Nyingifa posted another double double with 15 rebounds and 12 points, while Ezinne Kalu and Sarah Ogoke added 18 and 13 points in that order.

“We have a young team that can run the floor on both defence and offence, so doing that is a plus for us. I just came out to play and try to get better every other day. I think me getting used to the plays and the court and getting the trust from my teammates really helped me,” Akhator told FIBA.com.

Nigeria who had earlier beaten Mozambique 80-69 and the Democratic Republic of Congo 84-47 are followed on the table by reigning champions Senegal who also amassed six points as Guinea have lost all their matches so far.