Nigeria D’Tigress don begin dia FIBA Women’s World Cup campaign for Berlin with Group B match against South Korea, dem hope to build momentum before dem go face Hungary and strong French side. Win against South Korea go boost Nigeria chance to comot from pool wey the team coaching staff say dey very competitive.
Coach Wakama don welcome back veterans Adaora Kalu and Promise Amukamara, both of dem bin dey for the 2018 squad wey become the first African team to reach World Cup quarter-finals. Youth mentor Terfa Nor say dia value pass just playing time. “E no be only about minutes wey dem play — na about the locker room,” he tok. “For 2018, those two bin dey huddle during timeouts and dem see how e be when France or Australia turn up the heat. That kind experience wey dem live am, e no get price.”
Former assistant coach Chidi Okonkwo describe Group B like war zone. “France full of WNBA talent. South Korea don qualify 17 times straight — dem no panic. Hungary na the unknown quantity wey get nothing to lose,” he tok. He add say: “Kalu and Amukamara no come back to just fill numbers. Dem come back to prove say 2018 no be fluke.”
Former point guard Reuben Tarzohor point to captain Amy Okonkwo, Victoria Macaulay and Jordan Obi as key contributors, but he flag guard depth as worry behind Kalu. “My only worry na guard depth behind Kalu. If she collect early fouls against France press, Shay Ijiwoye must step up,” Tarzohor tok, as im predict say dem go reach at least quarter-final.
As Nigeria dey play South Korea and Hungary back to back for two days, rotation and discipline go matter pass. D’Tigress don arrive as African champions, nobody dey see dem as outsiders again, and the veterans role go be central to turn promise into results for global stage.
