Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, kicked off their AfroBasket 2025 campaign in commanding fashion with a crushing 92-45 victory over Rwanda on Friday, July 26, at the Palais des Sports de Treichville.
The win not only marks a powerful start for the defending champions but also reinforces their mission to claim a fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title, a feat never before achieved in African women’s basketball.
Led by head coach Rena Wakama, who also serves as an assistant coach for the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, D’Tigress left no doubt about their readiness to dominate the tournament. Nigeria set the tone early, taking the first quarter 17-8, and widened the gap to 45-25 by halftime.
By the third quarter, Nigeria had broken the game wide open with a 26-12 run before sealing the rout with a 21-8 fourth-quarter finish. The final 47-point margin underlined Nigeria’s status as the team to beat in this year’s competition.
Standout Performers for D’Tigress:
- Elizabeth Balogun led all scorers with 18 points, along with 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
- Victoria Macaulay added 13 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds, delivering a well-rounded performance.
- Murjanatu Musa posted 12 points and 5 rebounds, offering presence in the paint.
- Ifunaya Okoro impressed with 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, rounding out a strong team display.
With this emphatic win, D’Tigress have sent a clear message to other contenders: they’re here to defend their crown and make history.
What’s Next?
Nigeria will face stiffer competition in the coming days as they continue their AfroBasket group stage matches. Their next games will further test their depth, experience, and championship mentality.
