Hughley, MVP Kalu Relish D’Tigress’ FIBA Afrobasket 2019 Success

D’Tigress head coach Otis Hughley is excited to see the team retain their title at the 2019 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship in Senegal, reports Completesports.com

The Nigerian Ladies secured a hard fought 60-55 win in the final against the hosts at the Dakar Arena on Sunday.

“We played a World Cup team at home. They (Senegal) sensed the moment, through experience & confidence, and our girls were able to match that. I am so excited,” Hughley said after the game.

Most Valuable Player of the competition, Ezinne Kalu, cannot hide her excitement after the D’Tigress edged out the hosts in front of 15,000 vociferous fans.

Kalu, a guard, who plays for Rutronik Stars Keltern in Germany also believes that the team is destined for the top.

“To do something like that (retaining the title) was just amazing for all of us as a group. Whether it’s the World Cup, whether it’s the Afrobasket or the Olympics, we are in for great things. This is just the beginning for us,” the 27-year-old who was born in New Jersey to Nigerian parents told reporters after the game.

The Hughley’s D’Tigress, with the win, extended their head to head record over Senegal to 6-4 in 10 meetings. They also defeated the same opponent in the final two years ago.

It was also the second time the D’Tigress won the continental title back to back after first recording the feat at the 2003 and 2005 editions.

By Adeboye Amosu