Chairman House Committee on Sports, Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams has congratulated Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress for winning the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship for the fourth consecutive time in a row.
The Rena Wakama- led D’Tigress proved their dominance in the women’s basket after edging 11-time African champions, Senegal 84-74 to claim their sixth championship at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda on Saturday.
Saturday’s trump, means D’Tigress will compete for a spot at the women’s basketball event of the 2024 Olympics.
Adams, a member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Kaduna State in the 10th House of Representatives; could not hide his delight after the feat.
“Congratulations to our women’s Basketball team- D’Tigress and the entire backroom staff. The team has showed their dominance in the sport in Africa, and they showed the Nigeria never-say-die attitude going unbeaten in Kigali.
“The team showcased their talent to Africans and the world as they kept fans seated on their edge of their seats with quality basketball skills all their games at the BK Arena.
“Rena Wakama have also made Nigerian women proud, as she was the was the only female coach at the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship and she did better what any man can do at the event.
“Kudos to the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) on the choice of Wakama, as its has now proven to be well-thought-out as she brought her wealth of experience, having previously represented Nigeria as a national team player.
“Am pouring praise on Amy Okonkwo too, as was a star, having played a huge role in helping Nigeria clinch the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, and, as a result, the 26-year-old was named the TISSOT MVP of the tournament.
“Recall, throughout Nigeria’s unbeaten run (5-0) in the Rwandan capital of Kigali, Okonkwo was the heart -and-soul of the D’Tigresses, averaging a team-high of 17.2 points while contributing 8.2 rebounds per game.
“Along the way, Okonkwo became the only Nigeria to register two double-doubles (Murjanatu Musa registered one).
“A heroic welcome awaits them, as I, my House Committee on Sports memeber and well-meaning Nigerians will be at the airport to welcome them.”
Saturday’s trump, means D’Tigress will compete for a spot at the women’s basketball event of the 2024 Olympics.