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Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, opened their FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying campaign in impressive fashion on Wednesday, securing a dominant 70–37 victory over Colombia in Villeurbanne, France.
The match marked the first-ever encounter between the Nigerian side and the South American team, and it quickly became a one-sided contest as the African champions displayed their superiority on the court.
Under the guidance of head coach Rena Wakama, the Nigerian team produced a commanding performance, particularly in the second half. D’Tigress overwhelmed Colombia with a strong defensive setup and sharp offensive plays that left their opponents struggling to keep pace.
One of the most decisive moments of the game came when Nigeria went on a 16–0 scoring run, completely disrupting Colombia’s rhythm and extending their advantage. The African champions also controlled the final two quarters, limiting their opponents to just eight points combined in the third and fourth periods.
Although Nigeria has already secured qualification for the upcoming global tournament, the team is participating in the qualifying event to improve its international ranking points and maintain competitive momentum ahead of the championship.
Strong Individual Performances
Several Nigerian players delivered standout performances during the match. Forward Vitoria Macauley led the scoring for D’Tigress with 13 points, playing a crucial role in maintaining the team’s offensive pressure.
Another key contributor was Nicole Enabosi, who recorded an impressive double-double. Enabosi finished the game with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while also adding five assists, demonstrating her all-around impact on both ends of the court.
Guard Ifunaya Okoro also made a significant contribution, scoring 10 points and helping to push the team’s attacking rhythm.
Other players who added to Nigeria’s scoring effort included Ezinne Kalu, who recorded eight points, and Elizabeth Balogun, who also contributed important points during the contest.
How The Game Unfolded
Nigeria started the game with confidence, taking control in the first quarter, which they won 18–12. Their defensive pressure and fast transition play gave them an early advantage over Colombia.
However, the South American side attempted a brief comeback in the second quarter, narrowly winning the period 17–16. Despite that effort, Colombia still trailed heading into halftime as Nigeria maintained their overall lead.
The turning point of the game came during the third quarter. D’Tigress intensified their attack, with Macauley and Okoro helping the team level the score at 27–27 after Colombia’s earlier push.
Moments later, Enabosi’s layup restored Nigeria’s lead and ignited a dominant run that shifted the momentum firmly in their favour. From that point on, the Nigerian side controlled the game with disciplined defence and efficient scoring.
By the time the fourth quarter concluded, the gap between the two teams had widened significantly, sealing a comfortable 33-point victory for the African champions.
Winning Streak Continues
The victory also extended Nigeria’s impressive winning streak to six consecutive matches, reinforcing their status as one of the strongest teams in women’s basketball on the African continent.
D’Tigress, who are also the 2025 African champions, have continued to build momentum as they prepare for global competition.
With their opening match successfully behind them, the Nigerian team will now shift their focus to their next challenge in the tournament.
They are scheduled to face South Korea in their upcoming fixture as the qualifying competition continues in France.
For fans of Nigerian basketball, the commanding win against Colombia offers an encouraging sign that D’Tigress remain in strong form and ready to compete against top international opponents.
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