Nigerian Amy Okonkwo’s Invariably outstanding work was recognized as she was named Most Valuable Player of the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2023. D’Tigress continues to reign supreme in Africa.
KIGALI, August 5, the 2023 Nigeria Women’s National Team etched their name in history by winning gold for the fourth time in a row in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.
Under the guidance of coach Rena Wakama, D’Tigress improved to 5-0 in the tournament after defeating Senegal 84-74 on Saturday at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. They are now 24-0 in AfroBasket, having not lost a game since October 3rd, 2015 when they faced Angola.
Amy Okonkwo, a 1.88 m, 26-year-old from Nigeria, delivered when it mattered most, dropping 14 points on 4-of-11 shooting in the Final vs. Senegal to win the title, MVP award, best power forward of the tournament, and a spot in the tournament best Five.
Okonkwo finished out averaging 17.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game for the tournament.
Cierra Dillard of Senegal, Sika Kone of Mali, Jannon Otto of Uganda, and Tamara Seda of Mozambique complete the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2023 All-Star Five.
In the other individual awards, besides their All-Star team recognitions, Tamara Seda won the top rebounder award, and Uganda’s Jannon Otto also received the top scorer award. Nigeria’s Taiwo Olaluwatomi won the best three-pointer award.
A fair play award was given to Team Rwanda.
The semi-finalists Rwanda, Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal have qualified for the next AfroBasket in 2025, according to the FIBA quota.
