Nigeria's Amy Okonkwo optimistic about WOQT draw

 

LANDERNEAU (France) - Nigeria forward Amy Okonkwo is excited to know that D'Tigress will be up against Senegal, Team USA and Belgium in Tenerife next February at the FIBA Women's Olympics Qualifying Tournament (WOQT).

She remains unshaken by the opposition noting that Nigeria will take it one game at a time when the race for a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics begins.

"My immediate reaction was I thought it is going to be a lot of fun. It will be tough but good for us as a team. You should expect us to fight and win as many games as we can. We are a young group. We have a lot to give and I expect to see that on the court," Okonkwo admitted to FIBA.basketball.

The reigning FIBA Women's AfroBasket Most Valuable Player believes Nigeria, as African champions, have the talent to prosecute the Qualifiers as she looks forward to being at her second Olympic Games having had her first experience at the Tokyo 2020.

Okonkwo, who last played for French side Saint-Amand Hainaut Basket, notes further that: "This would possibly be my second Olympics. It means everything to me to wear Nigeria across my chest. I truly love this team and I'll do everything I can within my power to help lead us back there."

Reflecting on Nigeria's WOQT opposition, Okonkwo admits she expects them to come out strong. "This doesn’t bother me. I approach every game the same and I love the challenge. I'm looking forward to the fun atmosphere in Belgium. We always respect our opponents. They are a very good team and I expect them to come with their best too."

Regarding her teammates, she says she expects them to come out ready for action. "I call for them to bring the same energy we brought to Afrobasket and to dig deeper and bring even more."

Okonkwo played a huge role in helping Nigeria clinch the 2023 FIBA Women's AfroBasket (the country's fourth in a row) to emerge MVP and also lead the All-Tournament Team.

Throughout Nigeria's unbeaten run (5-0) in the Rwandan capital of Kigali, Okonkwo emerged as the heart -and soul of the Nigeria team, averaging a team-high of 17.2 points while contributing 8.2 rebounds per game and she is not likely to slow down soon.

 

The 1.88m (6ft 2in) forward does not want to concern herself with the status of the opponents, but wants to help the team return to the Olympics.

"I wouldn't say I'm not necessarily concerned. I just know It's going to be challenging with every single game. Everyone is going to bring their best. We will definitely need to rise to the challenge and perform," Okonkwo stressed.

FIBA