It’s almost inevitable whoever wins between Nigeria’s D’Tigress and Senegal will proudly fly the flag for African basketball at this year’s edition of the Olympic Games.
According to FIBA, Nigeria will be favourites because they won the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2023 and their modus operandi during the past decade or so has been beating Senegal on the way to landing Continental silverware.
This dominance of Nigeria is perhaps becoming something of a mental challenge for Senegal, but there could barely be a better time to snap this losing streak.
To add to the drama, this matchup is the very first game of the schedule in Antwerp and could boil down to who is better prepared and ready to take an amazing opportunity. Watch out for the influence of star ballers Amy Okonkwo and Cierra Dillard for their respective teams who will both look to lead.
Senegal, regarded as the underdog in their Group that has Nigeria, USA and Belgium, the West African nation will face an uphill battle in the clashes against both USA and Belgium, while Senegal have also struggled against Nigeria in many of the recent editions of the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.
The offensive capabilities of the team are relatively limited in terms of being able to keep pace with the Cats and the reigning Olympic champions, but it remains to be seen if they can find enough in their locker to take down Nigeria.
Having appeared at the Olympics twice previously in 2000 and 2016, Senegal are not only chasing another appearance at the Games, but they are yet to win a game and are 0-11 across their two previous outings.
With European champs Belgium balling in front of historic crowds, USA in town and two African rivals ready to battle for this FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament.