Defending champions Nigeria’s D’Tigress will know their quarter-final opponents on Wednesday when Cameroon face Angola in the playoff round of the Afrobasket tournament.
The Nigerian ladies secured a quarter-final spot after recording a second consecutive victory by defeating Mozambique on Monday.
Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday.
The result earned them an automatic place in the last eight, having topped their group matches.
The African champions, who admit they are yet to hit top form, resumed training on Tuesday under Coach Rena Wakama.
Their training focus is now on improving shooting and defensive tactics ahead of Thursday’s quarter-final clash.
Speaking ahead of the match against either Angola or Cameroon, the players said they feel confident and well prepared.
They added that the recent rewards given to the Super Falcons by President Bola Tinubu have lifted their morale.
Captain Amy Okonkwo said the warm reception received by the Falcons from both government and citizens is highly motivating.
She stressed that the team is determined to work hard and return home as African champions once again.
“We were in the locker room after beating Mozambique when news came of Mr President’s announcement for the Super Falcons.
“It shows how seriously sports is now being treated in our country, starting from the top.
“I thank the President for this love and commitment to Nigerian sports and the leadership now visible in the sector.
“We are excited because the NSC is now prioritising the welfare of Nigerian athletes,” she stated.
Speaking on their next opponents, Okonkwo noted that neither Angola nor Cameroon will be easy to beat.
She said the team remains focused and are stepping up their performance as the tournament intensifies.
“Afrobasket is getting tougher, and the quality improves every year. We know every team wants to beat Nigeria.
“We are very aware of this, and that is why we are staying focused on our mission,” she said.
Host nation Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Uganda and defending champions Nigeria have all secured automatic spots in the quarter-finals of this year’s Afrobasket. (NAN)
