D’Tigress crush Colombia 70–37 in dominant start to World Cup

Reigning African champions popularly known as D’Tigress, began their FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers campaign with a commanding 70–37 victory over Columbia on Wednesday.   Playing at the Villeurbanne Sports Arena, Lyon, the Nigerian side delivered a dominant performance from start to finish to underline their growing reputation as a major force in global women’s basketball.  […]

Reigning African champions popularly known as D’Tigress, began their FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers campaign with a commanding 70–37 victory over Columbia on Wednesday.

  Playing at the Villeurbanne Sports Arena, Lyon, the Nigerian side delivered a dominant performance from start to finish to underline their growing reputation as a major force in global women’s basketball. 

 The match marked the first-ever meeting between Nigeria and Colombia in women’s international basketball, and D’Tigress wasted little time asserting their superiority.

  Nigeria took an early lead, finishing the first quarter ahead 18–9 before tightening their grip on the game to head into halftime with a comfortable 36–18 advantage.

  Forward Amy Okonkwo led the early charge, scoring 15 of her 18 points in the first half to give the African champions a solid start.

  The decisive moment came in the third quarter when Nigeria unleashed a relentless offensive and defensive display, outscoring Colombia 30–13 to extend their lead to 66–31 and effectively put the contest beyond reach.

  Okonkwo finished with 18 points and six rebounds, while Nicole Enabosi added 12 points and three rebounds. Victoria Macaulay contributed 12 points, four rebounds and two blocks, while Elizabeth Balogun chipped in with 11 points and five rebounds.

 The victory extends Nigeria’s winning streak to six consecutive matches and also marks the 14th win for head coach, Rena Wakama since she took charge of the team in 2023. Wakama has now overseen 18 competitive games, recording 14 wins and four defeats.

  Although Nigeria have already secured qualification for the World Cup in Germany after winning the afrobasket title, the team is using the qualifying tournament in Lyon to maintain momentum and protect its position among the world’s elite.

  Currently ranked eighth globally, D’Tigress will look to build on the emphatic opening victory as they go to the court against South Korea today.