Breaking: Nigeria Secure First Ever Victory at FIBA Women’s World Cup

The DTigress of Nigeria have secured their first ever win at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after outing European opponents Turkey 74-68 at the Quick Cabrere Arena in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

It was the first win for the Nigerians in 12 years after their debut appearance in the tournament in 2006.

After the Lioness of Senegal had earlier broke the curse of African teams not winning a match in the Group stage of the World’s largest women’s basketball tournament, Nigeria could not afford to miss out on following the steps of their African counterparts to collect the continent’s first two wins over European opponents.

Nigeria started at a slow pace after collecting just 7 points in the first quarter with their opponents taking the lead with 15 points.

However, newly appointed head coach Otis Hughley Jr. had a good team talk with his players and perhaps reminded them that they are not in the tournament to add up the numbers, but to rather represent the green and white flag of the country.

The team bounced back, winning the second and third quarters, 22-17 and 23-10 respectively before the Turkish won the final quarter in a close contest (26-22).

Sarah Ogoke was the hero of the night after bagging home a game high of 22 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in 29 minutes.

The 28-year-old point guard believes that the team can still do more in the tournament as today’s result was just the beginning.

“It’s not over yet and we are just getting started,” Ogoke said. She continued, ” I am not satisfied at all because to me it is a big win, but we can’t feel comfortable until we beat Argentina and move into the next round.”

Nigeria will be hoping to collect their second win when they face Argentina that has lost their first two games on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, at the Santiago Martin Arena.
Image: FIBA