Nigeria's D'Tigress
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, kicked off their 2025 FIBA Afrobasket title defense with a commanding 92-45 win against Rwanda on Saturday in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
The six-time champions, aiming for a fifth consecutive crown and seventh overall title, extended their remarkable 25-game unbeaten streak in the competition since October 2015.
The game, held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, saw Nigeria take control early, finishing the first quarter with a 17-8 lead.
D’Tigress maintained their momentum, outscoring Rwanda 28-17 in the second quarter and 26-12 in the third, leaving no room for a comeback.
The fourth quarter sealed Nigeria’s dominance, as they surged ahead with a 21-8 scoring run to secure a decisive victory.
Elizabeth Balogun, a standout for Charnay Basket in France, led Nigeria with 18 points, grabbing four offensive and two defensive rebounds.
Veteran player Victoria Macaulay contributed 13 points, four defensive rebounds, and two offensive rebounds, showcasing her experience and consistency.
Murjanatu Musa also shone, adding 12 points, five defensive rebounds, and two offensive rebounds to the team’s impressive performance.
As Africa’s top-ranked women’s basketball team, D’Tigress reaffirmed their supremacy in the tournament, where they have claimed victory in the last four editions.
Rwanda struggled to pose a challenge throughout the match. In another group game earlier that day, Senegal, a regional powerhouse, defeated Guinea 92-48 to open their campaign.
D’Tigress will take on Mozambique in their next match on Monday at 4 p.m. at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, aiming to continue their dominant run.
