Nigeria’s D’Tigress got off to a winning start in their opening game at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket taking place in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, Afrosport reports.
The six-time champions cruised to a 92-45 blowout win over Rwanda at the Palais des Sports de Treichville to begin their title defence and improve their winning streak to 25-0 dating back to October 2015.
Rena Wakama’s side was behind just once in the entire game when Bella Murekatete gave Rwanda a quick 4-2 lead. Ezinne Kalu’s mid-range jumper tied the game at 4-4, and the D’Tigress never looked back for the remainder of the contest.
Five Nigerian players finished in double figures, and the bench overshadowed the output from their Rwandan counterpart, outscoring them 37-13. The D’Tigress forced their East African opponent to 22 turnovers, which led to 25 points for Nigeria.
Elisabeth Balogun led the way for the defending champions with 18 points, while Victoria Macaulay, who returned to the team after a three-year absence, finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and five steals.
Ifunanya Okoro poured in 11 points off the bench, captain Amy Okonkwo had 10, and Murjanatu Musa scored 12 points, while guard Promise Amukamara ended with eight points and six assists.
“We expected a tough match against Rwanda, as they are a good side,” Musa said after the game. “I don’t know what happened to them, but it is a good first win for us; it gives us the energy to keep working for those victories. Despite the win, there’s a need to tighten our defense in coming matches.
Rwanda suffered a second straight defeat to Nigeria at the Women’s Afrobasket, following a 79–48 loss in the semi-finals at the last edition in 2023.
Coach Cheikh Sarr’s side was led by Destiney Philoxy, who finished with 11 points and five assists, while Keisha Hampton scored 10 points.
Rwanda will play Mozambique in their second group game on Monday, while the D’Tigress will take on the Mozambicans on Tuesday, with a win guaranteeing their spot in the quarter-finals.
