Sports
D’Tigress Departs For Afrobasket Tourney
The Nigeria female basketball team, D’Tigress, departs the country today for Bamako, Mali aboard an Air Cote d’Ivoire flight for the 2017 FIBA Afrobasket tournament.
The team will be seeking to win the title it had won in 2003 and 2005. Nigeria were second runner-up in 1997 and 2015.
According to the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) spokesman, Chimezie Asiegbu, who made the disclosure in Lagos, the delegation would be led by the Vice-President of NBBF, Babatunde Oguande.
“He will head the 12 registered players, three members of the technical crew, led by Sam Vincent and four other backroom staff.
“The playing staff made up of 14 players will be led by Captain Aisha Mohammed (University of Virginia) and third overall pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft.
“Also, Evelyn Akhator (Dallas Wings) who stormed the team’s camp on Monday evening, Ezinne Kalu (Savannah State University), Sarah Ogoke (RC Celta Vigo, Spain) are part of the team.
Others are: Adaora Elonu (Perfumeria Avenda, Spain), Chioma Udeaja, Nkechi Akashili and Upe Atosu (all of First Bank Basketball club),’’ Asiegbu said in a statement.
The statement added that “the 12-man list was selected from the pool of 29 players initially invited for the one week camping.
“They include: Ndidi Madu (University of Florida), Cecelia Okoye (McNeese State University), Ugo Nwaigwe (Temple University, Wanger College) and Nyingifa Atonye Jennifer (Elitzur Holon, Isreal).
“The Technical crew will consist of two assistant coaches, Peter Ahmedu and Ochuko Okworogun, while Mfon Udoka is the General Manager.
“Amachree Mactaben (Player Development Manager) will form part of the delegation for this year’s apex women’s basketball tournament in Africa.
North West zonal representative on the board, Suraju Yusuff, Larai Garba (Team Doctor) and Bakare Umulkuthum (Physio) as well as Oni Afolabi (Media Officer) will complete the Nigerian team that will be gunning for their third Afrobasket trophy,’’ it said.
The statement said in line with the NBBF’s long term plan, Adaeze Alaeze (Virginia Commonwealth University)and Elawure Tina Odion (First Bank), identified as future prospects had been added to the 12 man list.
“They are to continue their developmental programme with the national team.
“The team will start its campaign against Mozambique on Saturday.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
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