D’Tigress defeats Greece, reaches FIBA WWC Q/finals

By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria’s women basketball team, D’Tigress, yesterday continued their exploits in the ongoing 2018 FIBA Women World Cup as they defeated Greece to qualify to the quarterfinals of the tournament holding in Tenerife, Spain.
D’Tigress became the first African women basketball team to qualify for the quarter finals of the FIBA Women World cup after beating the world number 20, Greece by 56-57 points in yesterday’s match.
On Tuesday, D’Tigress set a new record by becoming the first African team to win two World Cup games back to back.
It was a perfect succour for the head coach of the D’Tigress, Otis Hughley whose family was involved in an auto crash 24 hours before the game.
I was also a great birthday gift for the minister of youth and sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, who, while celebrating his 54th birthday same Wednesday charged the ladies to give him a befitting birthday gift by picking the quarterfinals slot.
Dalung, who is in Tenerife Spain to cheer the players made the request while congratulating the team on their superlative performance at the FIBA Women’s World Cup.
En route to the quarterfinals, they beat 15th ranked Argentina by 75-70 points in their last Group match and upset Turkey 74-68.
After their game on Tuesday, Barrister Dalung commended the team for making Nigeria proud describing them as worthy ambassadors of the nation.
“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari sends his blessings and support. The federal government will also throw its weight behind you to spur you to enviable heights in this competition. You have done what no African team has done in a basketball World Cup and this goes to show your determination and hard work to excel where others have failed.
“The good people of Nigeria will continue to support and pray for you as you embark on a journey of yet another milestone. I wish you success as you take on Greece in a quarterfinal qualifier this afternoon,” Dalung said.