Joyce Ekworomadu (NGR) - Mozambique v Nigeria, 2015 Afrobasket Women, Yaoundé (Cameroon), Quarter Final, 1 October 2015
LAGOS (2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - One month on since AfroBasket Women 2015 came to an end, and Nigeria's Joyce Ekworomadu still has a sense of unfinished business.
The D'Tigresses stepped onto the court in Yaounde, Cameroon ready to win it all.
LAGOS (2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - One month on since AfroBasket Women 2015 came to an end, and Nigeria's Joyce Ekworomadu still has a sense of unfinished business.
The D'Tigresses stepped onto the court in Yaounde, Cameroon ready to win it all.
And Ekworomadu played a pivotal role in helping Nigeria finish third, which guaranteed her country the last spot for the 2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT).
"Immediately after the tournament, I was still high in emotion over the realisation that we didn't come away with the gold because I believe that we were the best team there," the 29 year-old told FIBA.com.
Nigeria fell short in reaching the Final in a painful 71-70 Semi-Final loss to hosts Cameroon.
However, they upset Angola, clinching their second third-place finish in the history of the tournament.
Looking back at Nigeria's campaign in African women's biggest basketball event, Ekworomadu believes they now know what it takes to achieve what's needed to participate in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
There are five places on offer at the 12-team WOQT for the Rio Games.
I expect us to make a few adjustments as a team because we are going to be playing tougher opponents. - Ekworomadu
"We need to rely on our strengths and if we do that well, then we will come out in the top five."
Ekworomadu and her teammates remain in contact, and there is one common topic.
"It's funny because I believe we talk about the Olympics everyday," she noted.
"Sometimes we flash back to specific games and what adjustments need to be done moving forward.
"Personally, I will remain active and polish up on individual skills in order to contribute to my team as much as possible."
Playing in her fourth AfroBasket Women, Ekworomadu who lasted represented the American side Harlem Globetrotters, averaged 9.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.
"Immediately after the tournament, I was still high in emotion over the realisation that we didn't come away with the gold because I believe that we were the best team there," the 29 year-old told FIBA.com.
Nigeria fell short in reaching the Final in a painful 71-70 Semi-Final loss to hosts Cameroon.
However, they upset Angola, clinching their second third-place finish in the history of the tournament.
Looking back at Nigeria's campaign in African women's biggest basketball event, Ekworomadu believes they now know what it takes to achieve what's needed to participate in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
There are five places on offer at the 12-team WOQT for the Rio Games.
I expect us to make a few adjustments as a team because we are going to be playing tougher opponents. - Ekworomadu
"We need to rely on our strengths and if we do that well, then we will come out in the top five."
Ekworomadu and her teammates remain in contact, and there is one common topic.
"It's funny because I believe we talk about the Olympics everyday," she noted.
"Sometimes we flash back to specific games and what adjustments need to be done moving forward.
"Personally, I will remain active and polish up on individual skills in order to contribute to my team as much as possible."
Playing in her fourth AfroBasket Women, Ekworomadu who lasted represented the American side Harlem Globetrotters, averaged 9.6 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.
By: FIBA.com
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