D’Tigress of Nigeria have qualified for the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup after a hard fought win against Mali in the qualifiers on Sunday.
In their final Group B game in Belgrade, Serbia, D’Tigress defeated Mali 73 – 69 to book a place at the World Cup.
It was D’Tigress’ second win after three group games played at the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.
The African champions lost their opening game to China before coming from a 20-point deficit to defeat world number two, France 67- 65 in their second fixture on Friday.
Nigeria now join China and France as the three teams that will be at the 2022 FIBA World Cup from Group B.
Going into Sunday’s crucial tie, Mali took the first quarter 22-20 but D’Tigress claimed the second quarter 22-13.
The Nigerian women also won the third quarter 22-9 before Mali emerged tops in the fourth quarter 25-9 but it was not enough as D’Tigress emerged victorious.
The 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup will be held in Sydney, Australia between September 22 and October 1, 2022.
