Nigeria’s D’Tigress began their title defense at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket with an emphatic 92-45 victory over Rwanda at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The win extended their remarkable unbeaten streak to 25 games in the tournament dating back to 2015.
The defending champions dominated throughout, leading 45-25 at halftime and extending the lead to 71-37 by the third quarter. Five Nigerian players scored in double figures, including Elisabeth Balogun who led with 18 points. Victoria Macaulay, making a return after three years, contributed 13 points alongside five rebounds and steals. Other key scorers were Murjanatu Musa (12), Ifunanya Okoro (11), and captain Amy Okonkwo (10).
Despite Rwanda’s early brief lead, Nigeria controlled the pace and forced 22 turnovers, converting these into 25 points. Rwanda’s best performers included Destiney Philoxy with 11 points and five assists, and Keisha Hampton scored 10.
The D’Tigress displayed strength and cohesion despite limited training time ahead of the tournament and no warm-up games. Their next match is against Mozambique, with a win likely securing a quarter-final spot.
This comprehensive win sends a strong message to rivals as Nigeria aims to secure their seventh Afrobasket title in the ongoing championship.
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