STYLEBEAT MAG September 17

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SPORTS NOW! STYLEBEAT MAGAZINE NIGERIA PAGE 20 R O A R I N G T I G E R S : G O L D E N D ' T I G R E S S R U L E A F R I C A ' S W O M E N B A S K E T B A L L W R I T T E N B Y J U L I U S A K P O G U M A The true state of the team's psychological disposition was one to be known only after a competitive test but assuring words from the team's coach Sam Vincent gave it as optimistic and full of confidence. The litmus test for this came when they took to court in their first game of the tournament playing against Mozambique. They turned out as victors, or more appropriately, Victorias. They then went on a conquering spree beating D.R. Congo, Egypt, Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Mali (the Hosts) and ultimately, Senegal for a second time, in that order. However, in the final match against the Senegalese whom they were facing for the second time in Mali, bookmakers and experts who had earlier favored the Senegalese (also defending champions) to retain the title began to waver in their prediction and disposition. The D'tigress had put up an impressive record of winning a run of 7 consecutive matches (the Senegalese being one of their earlier victims) leading up to the finals. THE FINAL MATCH Having defeated the Senegalese earlier in the tournament as well as every other team they met en route the finals, the D'tigresses seemed to be, and were actually, armed with the requisite psychological advantage and confidence to battle for and edge out the defending champions to the much-coveted continental title. This was not going to go down easy, not without a fight. They stunned the Senegalese and indeed onlookers by producing a stellar comeback performance in the most amazing fashion, one that is without much precedence. Trailing Senegal by 14 points in the first quarter only within minutes of opening, all looked gloomy and ominous for the D'tigress. They latter gradually clawed their way back and by the end of the second quarter were leading by six points. The tables turned. The trailers had become the leaders. They extended their lead to as much as 14 points in the third quarter. The defending champions had been caught on the back foot, never to return back competitively in the game. It was a repeat of de javu, only this time the defeat came with a wider margin; winning by 65 - 48, the 17 point disparity showed the yawning difference form and class, making an earlier 58 - 54 victory by the Nigerian side a a more competitive showing by the Senegalese. Both finalists will represent the continent in be World Championships in Spain in 2018.
SPORTS NOW! STYLEBEAT MAGAZINE NIGERIA PAGE 21 R O A R I N G T I G E R S : G O L D E N D ' T I G R E S S R U L E A F R I C A ' S W O M E N B A S K E T B A L L W R I T T E N B Y J U L I U S A K P O G U M A THE ALL-STAR FIBA FIVE Like in all team competitions, a selection of a star studded side is made to show who played best in what position, one of whom is eventually awarded with the MVP of the tourney. Nigeria's Evelyn Akhator who was a star attraction made the top 5. She was bested by Senegal's Astou Traore in efficiency per game and in points (17 match points 6 rebounds and 3 assists; Akhator 13 match points 7 rebounds and 2 assists in the final). Astou Traore leads the list of All Stat Five Awards offered by Tissot. Given her performance it is hardly debatable that the Senegalese would go on to retain her MVP title. Statistics don't lie. The tournament has ended, prizes awarded but the roar of a proud D'Tigress will only get louder, while it lasts, romping around the sporting jungle as the top team and defending champions of the FIBA African Women's Championship. TEAM The players who made the final squad are captain Aisha Mohammed (University of Virginia) and 3rd overall pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft, Evelyn Akhator (Dallas Wings), Ezinne Kalu (Savannah State University), Sarah Ogoke (RC Celta Vigo, Spain) and Adaora Elonu (Perfumeria Avenda, Spain). Others are Chioma Udeaja (First Bank Basketball club), Nkechi Akashili (First Bank Basketball club) and Upe Atosu (First Bank Basketball club), Ndidi Madu (University of Florida), Cecelia Okoye (McNeese State University), Ugo Nwaigwe (Temple University, Wanger College) and Nyingifa Atonye Jennifer (Elitzur Holon, Isreal).
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STYLEBEAT MAG September 17

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