2025 Women’s AfroBasket: Amy Okonkwo credits team chemistry in D’Tigress’ battle-hardened win Vs Mozambique
Nigeria’s D’Tigresses continued their dominant run at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket with a hard-earned 60–55 victory over a formidable Mozambique side, securing their place in the quarterfinals and extending their unbeaten tournament streak to 26 games.
Reflecting on the intensity of the matchup, Nigeria forward Amy Okonkwo praised the quality of the competition.
‘Mozambique is a really good team. They’re well-coached, they ran their plays well, and they played beautifully together. It was a tough game, but we pulled it out and got the win. At first, they were playing harder than us, but we found our rhythm and started making defensive stops. I think that was the difference between us.’
Despite trailing 28–24 at halftime and entering the final quarter down by one, the Nigerian squad responded with resilience and championship poise. A pivotal three-pointer by Promise Amukamara early in the fourth quarter gave the team a lead they would not relinquish.
Star guard Ezinne Kalu—former tournament MVP—stepped up in key moments with a crucial layup, free throw, and relentless defensive pressure, finishing with a game-high 16 points and five steals.
Nigeria also capitalized on Mozambique’s 20 turnovers, converting them into 22 points. Murjanatu Musa contributed significantly with a commanding double-double performance—12 points and 12 rebounds—bolstering the team’s effort in the paint.
Mozambique’s hopes of an upset dimmed in the final minutes as key players Leia Dongue and Carla Covane fouled out, leaving Nigeria to seize control of the game.
With this win, Nigeria tops Group D with a perfect 2-0 record and heads into the knockout stage with confidence and cohesion.
