Nigeria's Junior D'Tigress secured a commanding 70‑40 victory over Senegal, moving their tournament record to two wins and one loss. The win underscores the team's growing confidence as they eye a knockout stage berth.
The opening half was a showcase of offensive dominance. Nigeria built a 45‑18 lead, highlighted by a 21‑4 first‑quarter burst and a 24‑14 second‑quarter stretch that left Senegal scrambling to respond.
Defensive Adjustments Shift Momentum
Senegal's coach Pape Malick Diop altered the defensive scheme in the third quarter, engineering a 12‑13 run that narrowed the gap and demonstrated the opponent's tactical flexibility.
Nigeria answered the challenge in the fourth quarter with a series of strategic substitutions. Introducing five fresh players injected new energy, allowing the team to reclaim control and close the period 13‑9, sealing the final margin.
Statistical highlights reinforced the narrative of resilience. Nigeria forced 34 turnovers and out‑rebounded Senegal 53‑45, while Oluwatobiloba Owolabi led the scoring with 13 points, complemented by two rebounds and an assist.
Ainab Adelaja praised her teammates' resilience, emphasizing that every game presents its own challenges and that the squad remains focused on continuous improvement as they progress toward the knockout stage.
Senegal's Fatoumata Sall contributed 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists, but the team reflected on the loss, acknowledging they gave their best while falling short of their objectives.