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Tag: D’Tigress

  • D’Tigress Show Fighting Spirit Despite Quarterfinal Loss to USA- Igoche Mark

    D’Tigress Show Fighting Spirit Despite Quarterfinal Loss to USA- Igoche Mark

    By Sylvanus Ofekun

    Nigerian basketball promoter Igoche Mark has praised the senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for their tenacity and fighting spirit, despite their quarterfinal loss to the USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

    The African champions put up a valiant effort against the Olympic champions, ultimately falling 88-74 at the Accor Arena. Although the Americans dominated three of the four quarters, D’Tigress won the fourth quarter 26-12, showcasing their resilience and determination.

    Mark was impressed by the team’s refusal to give up, saying, “They fought to the last whistle. I like their hustling spirit, never giving up till the end. I am truly impressed and urge them to keep up the fighting spirit.”

    He also highlighted the team’s achievements at the Olympics, noting that they had beaten two top-six ranked teams, Australia and Canada, earlier in the tournament. “D’Tigress and coach Wakama will be proud of their feat at the Olympics… I strongly believe one day they will be world champions.”

    Mark’s words of encouragement come as a boost to the team, who have shown significant improvement and potential on the global stage. Their fighting spirit and determination have earned them recognition and admiration, and they will undoubtedly return home as heroes.

    As the team looks to the future, Mark’s belief in their potential to become world champions will serve as a motivation to continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence.

  • This is the Time to Rule the World, NBBF President Charges D’Tigress

    This is the Time to Rule the World, NBBF President Charges D’Tigress

    President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation NBBF, Mr.Igoche Mark has reacted to Thursday’s FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign in Sydney, Australia in September.

    Nigeria’s D’Tigress were drawn in Group alongside France, Australia, Canada, Japan and Serbia at an event that took place on the forefront of Sydney’s spectacular Harbour.

    Reacting to the draw, the NBBF President charged the ladies to aim at the bull’s eyes during the finials of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, while promising the team of adequate and proper support, devoid of politics and egocentrism.

    “Dear 3 Peat, the World cup is an avenue to show the world your qualities, skills and your doggedness in the court. My plea is that you have dominated Africa, now is the time to rule the world, go, see and conquer the rest of the world, aim at the bull’s eyes. On our part, we will ensure that you get all what you deserve in order to prepare adequately for the World Cup. Unlike in the past, when those entrusted with administering the game make promises without fulfilling them, this is what the New Face of Basketball has come to correct; we are committed to your welfare and all round wellbeing devoid of politics and egocentrism.” Mark stated.

    Mr. Mark also saluted the technical crew led by Coach Otis Hughley for guiding the team on the right path, noting his effort has led the team a step up in the FIBA women’s world ranking.

  • NBBF President, Igoche Mark Lauds FG’s 25 Million Naria Gift to D’Tigress

    NBBF President, Igoche Mark Lauds FG’s 25 Million Naria Gift to D’Tigress

    President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation NBBF,Mr.Igoche Mark has lauded the gesture of the Federal Government and the Sports Ministry over plans to reward the victorious D’Tigress with 25 million naria.

    The reigning African Champions had on Sunday booked their place in the finals of the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Sidney,Australia later in the year.

    Reacting to the FG’s gesture,the NBBF President,Mr.Igoche Mark thanked the Buhari led administration for always rewarding Sports men and women who have done the country proud.
    “I want to sincerely thank our father,President Muhammadu Buhari for gifting our champions,D’Tigress with the sum of 25 million naria.Mr.President has never for once fail to appreciate sports men and women who done this country proud;I think it is a virtue that successive government should learn from.I also want to commend the sports ministry and supervising minister,Mr.Sunday Dare for leading the team to Serbia.Let me assure Nigerians that the preparation for the World Cup will commence immediately.”Mark stated.

  • NBBF President, Igoche Mark Congratulates D’Tigress over Victory against France

    NBBF President, Igoche Mark Congratulates D’Tigress over Victory against France

    The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation NBBF, Mr. Igoche Mark has congratulated the D’Tigress over their 67-65 victory against France at the ongoing FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Serbia.

    The keenly contested game saw the Nigerian ladies over coming a 17 points deficit during the first quarter of the game.

    Congratulating the ladies, Mr. Igoche Mark, the NBBF President said the team showed the true spirit of a Nigerian by defying the odds to beat the fifth best Women’s Basketball Team in the FIBA rankings.

    “Congratulations dear Champions, I have never doubted your abilities. Thank you for putting up a good fight. You have made the federation proud, the country is proud by your performance. You defied every odd to beat one of the best basketball team in the world, that’s the Nigerian spirit.
    You have conquered Africa, this is the time to rule the world as we rooting solidly behind against Mali in your next game. Keep soaring higher. “Mark stated.

  • D’Tigress Beat France To keep World Cup Qualifying Hopes Alive

    D’Tigress Beat France To keep World Cup Qualifying Hopes Alive

    The D’Tigress have inched closer to the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup following a 65-67 victory over France in a qualification match on Friday.

    Friday’s win was the first time the African champions have beaten their European counterpart.

    The Nigerian girls were down by 20 points after the opening exchanges but gradually fought back, thanks to a Promise Amukamara’s half-court buzzer-beater at the end of the third.

    Midway through the last quarter, Nigeria then took the lead to set up a dramatic ending. Although either of the countries could have gotten a win, it was Nigeria who did the job.

    Victoria Macaulay had 19 points, 5 steals, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, while France were punished by a massive 25 turnovers in the game.

    “We came. We saw. We triumphed,” the D’Tigress tweeted on their handle, minutes after the game. “What was your best part of the game today?”

    Despite the loss, France joined China to book their spot for the Sydney tournament due to their positive point average (+9) in case of a tie with Nigeria and Mali. The Asians were the first to join the USA at the event after an 84-64 mauling of Mali in another Group B encounter in Belgrade.

    Mali and Nigeria have to vie for the remaining ticket in the group. Coach Otis Hughley’s side will qualify with a win against their fellow West Africans. They will also qualify if they lose by 6 or less points if France beats China on Sunday.

    On the other hand, Mali will get qualification by winning by 7 or more points against Nigeria. If they win by less than 7 points, they will need France to beat China in order to qualify. The game against Mali comes up on Sunday.

    Before Friday’s game, Nigeria had lost their first match against China. They were beaten 90-76. But the Nigerian coach was optimistic that his team will bounce back from the setback.

    “China is really good but no excuses,” Hughley said after the China defeat. “I thought the girls did not quit. I thought they played hard; I thought they had a physical game and by the second half, they were up to the task.”

    The FIBA Women’s World Cup is billed for September in Australia.

  • NBBF President Igoche Marks Hails D’Tigress Heroic Display against China

    NBBF President Igoche Marks Hails D’Tigress Heroic Display against China

    President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation NBBF, Mr.Igoche Mark has hailed the heroic display of the nation’s Senior Women Basketball team, D’Tigress; and the team’s Coaching crew in their first game against the Peoples Republic of China at the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Belgrade, Serbia.

    The reigning African Champions lost 76- 90 to the Asian giants, who are at present, the 7th ranked team in the world.

    Mr. Mark commended the team for their courage and resilience during the tension soaked game, and charged the ladies to take positives from the loss, which he described as a stepping stone to a better outing in their next game against European heavyweights France, on Friday.

    “I must commend you for for showing courage; and giving the game against China their all…. The result not withstanding, let’s see it as a stepping stone towards a better outing in your next game. All I can tell you is that if you are never on the losing side, you are never truly tested, and may never be forced to grow. Pick up yourselves, go conquer France!” Mark stated.

    A total of 16 countries are presently in Serbia slugging it out in the qualifiers, for slots at the FIBA World Cup scheduled to hold from September 22 to October 1, 2022, in Australia.

  • France hand D’Tigress second loss at Tokyo Olympics

    France hand D’Tigress second loss at Tokyo Olympics

     Nigeria’s senior women basketball team, D’Tigress, on Friday lost 62-87 to their French counterparts in their second Preliminary Round Group B fixture at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.our correspondent reports that the result makes it the second straight loss after a narrow 72-81 loss to the U.S.our correspondent reports that the make-or-mar match played at the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo was keenly contested as France had also lost their first match to the less-experienced Japanese 70-74. The D’Tigress, brimming with confidence after the U.S match, could however not build on the momentum against the French ladies. Nigeria lost the first three quarters; 12-18, 15-26, 15-23 and drew the fourth 20-20, falling to the superior shooting power of the fifth best female basketball team in the world.After a barren first three minutes of the opening quarter, France went up by eight points and dominated to win by 18-12, in spite of Nigeria rallying back to draw 11-11 at some point.The D’Tigress, just like in the first match, were wasteful with their shots, a disadvantage which France capitalised on.Nigeria’s Promise Amukamara led the pack scoring 11 points, while Ezinne Kalu, with 10 points, was the only other D’Tigress to enter double digits.France had Sandrine Gruda with 14 points, while Gabby Williams, Endene Miyem, Marine Johannes and Alix Duchet each added 13 points as five players scored in double figures for them.

    our correspondent reports that Nigeria were attempting to become the first African nation to win an Olympic contest in women’s basketball since 2004 when the team went 1-5 in Greece.

    No team from the continent has won a game since.

    Their last chance will come on Monday against hosts Japan, while France close out pool play against the U.S. on Monday.

    The group’s other game on Friday saw the U.S beat Japan 86-69 to book their place in the knockout stage of the women’s basketball event.

  • US beat Nigeria’s D’Tigress in Olympic opener

    US beat Nigeria’s D’Tigress in Olympic opener

    Nigeria’s ’Tigress lost their first game against USA women’s basketball team at the Tokyo Olympics.

    The US team got off to a positive start with an 81-72 win over Nigeria in their first game of the tournament.

    The Nigeria team, however, reduced their 20-point deficit recorded against the US team in a friendly game to nine.

    Nigeria were the better team in the second half, making 40 points to USA’s 37 in the last two quarters.

    The Nigerian team will face France in their next match on Friday.

    The USA women’s basketball team ran their Olympics winning streak to an incredible 50 games in the process.

    Nigeria’s full-court press and tenacity on the defensive end seemed to catch Team USA off guard early in the game.

    At the end of the first quarter, Nigeria led 20-17 and had forced eight American turnovers.

    Eventually, however, Team USA was able to adapt to the pressure, started working the ball inside and took full control.

    At one point in the second quarter, they ripped off a 23-0 run and built a double-digit lead at the break.

    While they got a little lackadaisical towards the end of the fourth quarter, Team USA was in full control for the entire second half, and was never in danger of losing the game.

    Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson led the way for Team USA with 19 points, 13 rebounds, two steals and two blocks in a dominant interior performance.

    Her frontcourt partner Brittney Griner added a double-double of her own with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

    Diana Taurasi was the only other player in double digits with 10 points.