Nigeria’s D’Tigress advance to AfroBasket Quarterfinals after win over Mozambique
Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has powered into the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship after a hard-fought 60-55 victory over Mozambique in their final Group D clash. The win, recorded at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, confirms Nigeria’s intent to defend their continental dominance as they chase a record fifth consecutive Afrobasket title.
The defending champions had kicked off their campaign in dominant fashion with a resounding 92-45 win over Rwanda on Saturday. However, their final group-stage match against a resilient Mozambican side on Monday proved to be a true test of grit, determination, and championship character.
Slow Start, Strong Finish
D’Tigress entered the Mozambique matchup as group leaders but were caught off guard in the opening minutes. Mozambique surged ahead early, capitalizing on Nigeria’s sluggish start to close the first quarter at 13-9. By halftime, Nigeria still trailed, with Mozambique clinging to a 28-24 lead, causing concern among fans and coaching staff alike.
Head coach Rena Wakama, who led D’Tigress to Afrobasket glory in 2023, rallied her squad during the break, urging urgency, composure, and tactical adjustments.
The pep talk paid off.
Nigeria stormed back in the third quarter, tightening their defense and improving transition play. Star guard Ezinne Kalu, known for her clutch performances on the African stage, led the resurgence. By the end of the third quarter, the gap had narrowed to just one point (43-42) in Mozambique’s favor.
In the final quarter, D’Tigress flipped the script entirely. Combining defensive resilience with sharper shooting, they held Mozambique to just 12 points while adding 18 of their own, sealing a crucial 60-55 victory and top spot in the group.
Key Performers: Kalu, Amukamara, Murjanatu Step Up
Leading the charge was Ezinne Kalu, who dropped 16 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and dished 4 assists in a performance that reaffirmed her status as one of the continent’s premier guards.
She was supported by Promise Amukamara, who added 13 points, and Musa Murjanatu, whose 12-point contribution was vital in the paint, especially in the fourth-quarter push.
Wakama praised the team’s resilience, stating:
“It wasn’t our best start, but this group has heart. They responded when it mattered most, and that’s what champions do. We knew Mozambique would push us,they’re a strong team—but we kept our composure and executed late in the game.”
The Road to a Fifth Afrobasket Title
With the win, Nigeria maintains a perfect record in Group D, finishing with two wins from two. D’Tigress now shift focus to the Afrobasket quarter-finals, where they will face the runner-up from Group C, likely to be one of the rising contenders in African women’s basketball.
As four-time consecutive champions (2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023), D’Tigress are considered the favorites to win again in 2025. Their blend of veteran leadership, athleticism, and team cohesion makes them a formidable force.
What’s Next?
Nigeria’s next challenge comes in the AfroBasket 2025 quarter-final, scheduled for Thursday, August 1, in Abidjan. The opponent is yet to be officially confirmed, but fans and analysts alike expect a tough contest regardless of the draw.
The focus now is on maintaining momentum, improving consistency, and ensuring peak fitness as the knockout phase begins.
SportsLigue