Nigeria’s D’Tigress began their 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying journey with a resounding 70–37 win against Colombia in Lyon, France, on Wednesday.
The game, held at Astroballe Arena, marked the first-ever encounter between the two sides. After a closely contested first half, the African champions pulled away in the second half, thanks to a combination of sharp defence and fluid team play.
Coach Rena Wakama started with Amy Okonkwo, Elizabeth Balogun, Promise Amukamara, Murjanatu Musa, and Ezinne Kalu. Amukamara opened the scoring for Nigeria with a free throw and a lay-up, while Colombia’s Mabel Martinez responded with a three-pointer to keep her side in touch early on.
Nigeria led 18–12 after the first quarter, and although Colombia closed the gap in the second, the D’Tigress went into half-time ahead 34–29.
In the third quarter, Nigeria took control, holding Colombia to just five points and extending the lead to 53–34. The D’Tigress maintained their dominance in the final quarter, adding 17 points while limiting Colombia to three, finishing with a 33-point victory.
Victoria Macaulay led Nigeria with 13 points and six rebounds in 14 minutes, earning Player of the Match honours. Nicole Enabosi recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, and Ifunnaya Okoro contributed 10 points.
The D’Tigress dominated the boards 51–31, shot 40.6% from the field, and tallied 23 assists, showing excellent teamwork and defensive discipline.
Next, Nigeria face South Korea on 12 March as they continue their campaign to prepare for the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin.
