D’Tigress, Nigeria’s national women’s team, made a thunderous statement in their opening fixture of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament yesterday , dismantling Colombia 70-37.
In the first-ever meeting between the two nations, Coach Rena Wakama’s side showcased why they are the reigning queens of Africa. Despite having already secured their World Cup berth, the Nigerians played with a point to prove, using the tournament to climb the global rankings and sharpen their form.
The game began as a competitive affair, with Nigeria taking the opening frame 18-12. Colombia showed signs of life in the second quarter, edging D’Tigress 17-16 to narrow the gap. However, that “mini-comeback” only served to wake the sleeping giant.
The second half was a defensive master class. D’Tigress orchestrated a devastating 16-0 scoring run, effectively suffocating the South American offense. In an incredible display of defensive prowess, Nigeria limited Colombia to just eight total points across the entire third and fourth quarters combined.
The victory was fuelled by balanced scoring and elite playmaking with Vitoria Macauley who deservedly named Player of the Match, leading the floor with 13 points. Nicole Enabosi delivered a commanding double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while adding 5 assists.
While Ifunaya Okoro contributed 10 points in the backcourt, veterans Ezinne Kalu and Elizabeth Balogun provided leadership and crucial buckets to seal the blowout.
Now riding a six-match winning streak, D’Tigress turn their attention to a quick turnaround against South Korea on Thursday. The road ahead remains busy, with high-stakes matchups against the Philippines, Germany, and tournament hosts France still on the horizon.
