As the 21st edition of the FIBA African Women Basketball Championships holding in Madagascar entered its third day yesterday, Nigeria’s national basketball team, D’Tigress mixed fortune may reduce the chances of qualifying for the 2010 World Championships scheduled for the Czech Republic.
With the two countries that make it to the competition’s final on October 18 listed for participation in the World Championships, D’Tigress can only stake a claim for one of the two tickets available for the continent by grabbing either the gold or the silver medal.
But first, D’Tigers, currently placed third on Group B table with a loss and a draw must end the preliminaries stage among the first four to entertain hopes of being in the FIBA World Championships.
D’Tigress’ results
In their first Group B game, D’Tigress were out dunked 37-41 at the Palais Des Sports in Antananarivo, Madagascar, by defending champion, Mali who avenged their defeat by Nigeria four years ago.
The Nigerian ladies grabbed the first quarter by 13 - 11 points but gave up the lead in the second and third quarters after a highly defensive Malian side stole victory with a 14-10 and 9-6 point wins respectively.
With D’Tigress forward, Rashidat Sadiq, who led the floor with 13 points and 10 rebounds spearheading the attack, the team got a consolatory 08-07 victory in the last quarter.
However, the skills of 1.88 meters tall forward, reigning Africa Most Valuable Player, Hamchetou Maiga, contribution of 11 points and 4 rebounds was enough to lift D’Tigress opponents over them.
On day two, D’Tigress who were second favourite to win the championship after nine-time champion, Senegal bounced back to reckoning by devouring Rwanda 79-49.
How they stand
Both games put Nigeria behind Group B joint leaders, Ivory Coast and Angola both with four points after victories in their first two games.
D’Tigress’ nemesis, Mali, were punished 62 - 52 by the Ivorian side who rushed past Tunisia 62-50 in their opening game.
Former champions Angola, who defeated Tunisia 62-52 in the second game, trounced Rwanda 17-16, 16-10, 11-10 and 22-18 in the four quarters to end the match 66-54.
With D’Tigress still to play both teams, Ayo Bakare, wards must raise they game to escape the classification zone.
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