The dream of the Nigeria women basketball is to be the number one in the world, this is also the wish of power forward Evelyn Akhator.
However, the last three years have seen the D'Tigress winning back-to-back FIBA Women's AfroBasket titles, competing at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 and qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. It has promised to be a show of talent, mental toughness and ultimately power so strong that they remain unbeaten in Africa since stepping on court against Mozambique in their Group B opener on August 18, 2017 at the continental competition in Bamako, Mali.
Before venturing into that tournament, Nigeria was the 42nd in the world and have since risen to 14th in a space of three years and according to power forward Evelyn Akhator, one of the team's biggest assets and dependable players, they are aiming even higher at the upper echelons.
In an exclusive interview with FIBA.basketball, Akhator who was drafted as a number three pick by the Dallas Wings in the 2017 WNBA Draft admitted that D'Tigress are hungry for more success. They want to take on the world and beat the best teams.
Pointing at this year’s battle against the reigning World and Olympic champions USA who were very close to losing if not for a last quarter rally that saw them snatch victory from the hands of the Nigerians who had led for three quarters and almost cruised to what would have been a memorable win.
Akhator revealed what transpired during the USA’S 76-71 win over Nigeria, she said: "Much respect to Brittney Griner because she was the only person that came through for them. She could not be stopped in that game even though we almost pulled it off but we are one step closer to our goal.
The D’Tigress booked their slot at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics despite that disappointing loss to USA and this will be the West African’s second time to be in the prestigious competition.
She continued: "Who doesn't want to go to the Olympics? Hearing the word "Olympics" itself was a motivation for us to fight. We were not ready to wait another four years before earning another spot to qualify for the Olympics while the ticket was right in our faces so we had to do what we can to grab it. "I always believe I would get to the Olympics from the day I started playing for the national team and I am glad it all came to pass. Going to Tokyo has always been my dream considering the fact that I watch lots of Japanese movies and I am excited I will be going there next year by God's grace. "I see Nigeria getting to the top and becoming a Top 10 country in basketball. Nobody would have thought we would be a Top 20 team and now we are number 14 in the world. I only pray that we all achieve that dream of being top of the best very soon."
The last two edition of the AfroBasket, has seen Nigeria win it back to back making a claim that they have come to stay despite Senegal recording 12 titles with Nigeria behind with 4 titles so far. The D’Tigress are ever ready to dominate Africa at large and even the world in the nearest future.
The Lagos native also stated: "It is really important especially the fact that basketball is not a popular sport in Nigeria as compared to Senegal. It was really important for Nigeria to be on the map again and be known worldwide. Now, teams are scared whenever they hear Nigeria women's basketball team.
She also recalled that 2021 is going to be a very busy year for them, but Akhator and her teammates are ready for the challenge. They will be leaving everything on court.
She said: "I think playing and listening to my body as well as surrounding myself with positivity will keep me focused. I know the window between the Olympics and the FIBA Women's AfroBasket is really short but it still will make us stay fully in shape mentally, physically and also locked into the plays and the team.
Following the outbreak of coronavirus that halted all sports activities in the world is believed to affect the world economy and also fans belief in sports.
She stressed: "Honestly, I do miss basketball and I am glad to be returning back into doing my basketball workouts next week which I am already making arrangements for although I have just been indoors working out and trying to stay fit so I do not feel too out of shape when I start basketball workouts.
Meanwhile, the 25-year old has been very busy back home in Nigeria where she is giving back to her community and inspiring young girls to play basketball while also contributing to communities by providing necessities through her foundation and she has been a role model for most Nigeria upcoming basketball stars.
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