Nigeria’s senior national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, on Thursday fell 90-76 to their Chinese counterpart in their International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup Qualifiers in Belgrade.

The ladies lost the first two quarters, 29-14, 25-22 and could not catch up with the pace of their opponents, managing a 24-11 score in the final quarter.

In their next match, the Nigerians will face France on February 11 before meeting Mali on February 13 to see if they could be among the first three to qualify from the group.

The players currently in Belgrade are Adaora Elonu, Amy Okonwko, Odera Chidom, Nicole Enabosi, Promise Amakamara, Nkem Akaraiwe, Ify Ibekwe, Agonye Iyigfa, Kunaiyi Apkala, Murijanatu Musa and Victoria Macaulay.

Going into the second game against France, D’Tigress would have to correct the many mistakes they made in the match against China.

They lost so much to open plays and fast breaks and shots well taken from the arcs. They could not make any impact when they had their own opportunities.

However, victory or a very good game against France can boost their confidence against their final game with Mali.

(NAN)