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By Amaechi Agbo

Nigeria female basketball team, the D’Tigress Thursday overcame African counterparts Mozambique 85-51 in Serbia in an Olympic qualifier to book e-ticket to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

In a group also involving the formidable forces of USA and Serbia, the back-to-back FIBA Women’s AfroBasket stated their intentions and now have a first Olympic appearance since 2004 within sight.

By defeating Mozambique by 85-51points to earn their first win in the qualifiers, Nigeria have booked “an e-ticket” to the Olympics barring any surprises by Mozambique against USA and Serbia.

What this means is that unless Mozambique defeats USA and Serbia in her next matches, Nigeria is as good as having qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olymic Games.

There was little to separate the two teams in a back and forth first quarter before Nigeria put the clamps on their opponents, conceding just 2 points in a six-minute stretch as they established a double-digit cushion by half-time. And, the gap only went in one direction from there.

On the night that all the 12 players on the roaster scored at least two points, Promise Amukamara was the one who led the team with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals and 3 assists against Mozambique

Rebound Queen, Evelyn Akhator picked up 7 and scored 9 points against Mozambique

Team captain, Adaora Elonu had 10pts, 4 assists and 3 steals with 100% records from her two points attempts while Ezinne Kalu recorded 11 points and 5 assists in a match dominated by the Nigeria Tigresses.

Host country, Serbia will tackle Nigeria on Saturday 8 February 2020 in City Arena; Belgrade, Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in the second Group A match by 5pm Nigeria time while Mozambique will battle USA in the second match of the day by 8pm.