FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifier: NBBF President hails D’Tigress for securing ticket

Igoche Mark, President of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) congratulated D’Tigress on the team’s qualification for the FIBA ​​Women’s World Cup 2022.

The Nigerian News Agency reports that D’Tigress qualified on Friday for the FIBA ​​Women’s World Cup 2022 to be held in Australia later in the year after a 67-65 victory against the number five team of the world, France.

The reigning African champions had put up a stiff resistance but bowed to the superior power of China in their opening match, losing 76-90 to the world’s seventh-ranked team on Thursday.

However, the Hughley-led side did just enough in their second game against France as D’Tigress rallied from a 17-point deficit in the first quarter to earn a win and book their second consecutive world cup appearance with a game to play

In the second quarter, a more resolute and meek D’Tigress crawled back into the game with a 16-10 point win to close the first half 27-38.

Not comfortable with the scores, the team applied more pressure to win the third quarter 21-14 before another impressive 19-13 point finish in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

Igoche Mark, President of the NBBF

Congratulating the ladies, Mark said the team showed true Nigerian spirit to beat the fifth best women’s basketball team in the FIBA ​​rankings.

“Congratulations dear champions, I have never doubted your abilities.

“Thank you for putting up a good fight. You have made the federation proud, the country is proud.

“You defied all odds to beat one of the best basketball teams in the world, that is the Nigerian spirit.

“You have conquered one of the best in the world and now is the time to go one step further as we support you solidly in your next game against Mali. Keep flying higher,” he said.

The NBBF chief also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari as well as Minister for Youth Development and Sport Sunday Dare, adding that the team’s victory could not have been possible without their continued and tireless support of the NBBF.

Mark emerged as president of the NBBF in an election held in Abuja, while Musa Kida was also elected to the same post in a parallel election on the same day in Benin, Edo state.