.Tinubu hails 5th title triumph in Abidjan
By Joel Ajayi, Abuja
Nigeria has again demonstrated its strength in sports as the country’s D’Tigress on Sunday Mali 78-64 in the final of the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire to become the first team to win the tournament five times in a row.
AljazirahNigeria recalls that the victory follows a recent 3-2 triumph against Atlas Lionesses of Morocco by the Super Falcons at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, in Rabat, that country’s capital.
With this win, Nigeria extended their winning streak to 29-0, dating back to the third-place game of the 2015 tournament in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
As was the case for most of their initial games in the tournament, Nigeria got off to a slow start.
However, feeling threatened by Mali’s intensity, Rena Wakama’s team regrouped in the second quarter and headed to the locker room tied at 41–41.
With the score tied, Wakama’s ladies came out in the third quarter with renewed focus and energy taking a 61-56 lead in the quarter, capitalising on Mali’s turnovers.
In spite of Mali’s valiant effort in the final quarter to mount a comeback, Nigeria maintained their composure and held on to their lead.
They continued to play with the confidence, answering every Malian basket with one of their own. The final buzzer sounded with Nigeria winning 78-64.
Nigeria is now the only nation to win more consecutive Women’s AfroBasket titles than any other nation.
Debutant South Sudan beat Senegal 66-65 in the third place encounter. medal match, debutant South Sudan defeated Senegal.
Elated President Bola Tinubu has congratulated D’Tigress for winning the tittle.
Tinubu, in a message issued by his Special Adviser (Information and Strategy) Mr Bayo Onanuga, said the win had brought pride and global recognition to Nigeria.
He lauded their skill, resilience, and teamwork, which powered them to a fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, an African record and their seventh championship overall.
Despite trailing in the first quarter, the president commended their determination and fighting spirit throughout the match.
According to him, ”Your superb performance throughout the competition has made Nigeria proud”.
Besides, ”Like the Super Falcons, you have inspired our young ladies. You embodied the indomitable Nigerian spirit, the power of unity, and the rewards of hard work”, he said.
”By winning the AfroBasket trophy for a record fifth consecutive time, you have written your names in history and shown the world what to expect out of Africa”, he added.
Furthermore, Tinubu praised Head Coach, Rena Wakama and her technical crew for their outstanding leadership and strategic execution.
He commended the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, for its consistent support and dedication to growing the sport, saying ”The Federal Government and Nigerians will never forget the sacrifices and remain grateful for the highly elevating performances.
”The government and the people of Nigeria celebrate you and assure you of our continued support as you prepare for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments next March”.
The President expressed his eagerness to welcome the champions back home.
In a lighter but serious plea , Basketball lovers across Nigeria have appealed to President Tinubu and First Lady Remi Tinubu to bountifully reward the D’Tigress for making the country proud and showing that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu is working well in the sports sector.
