Paragraph 1: D’Tigress’ Dominant Debut in Afrobasket Title Defense
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, launched their 2025 FIBA Afrobasket title defense with a resounding victory, crushing Rwanda 92-45 in their opening game in Abidjan. This emphatic win sets the stage for their quest for a seventh Afrobasket title and an unprecedented fifth consecutive crown, extending their remarkable unbeaten streak to 25 games since October 2015. Playing at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, D’Tigress established an early lead, outscoring Rwanda 17-8 in the first quarter and never looking back. This dominant performance underscored Nigeria’s status as the undisputed powerhouse of African women’s basketball.
Paragraph 2: A Comprehensive Display of Superiority
D’Tigress’ dominance extended throughout the game, with each quarter showcasing their superior skill and athleticism. In the second quarter, they further widened the gap, outscoring Rwanda 28-17. The third quarter followed a similar pattern, with Nigeria adding another 26 points while holding Rwanda to a mere 12. The final quarter saw Nigeria maintain their relentless pressure, outscoring Rwanda 21-8 to seal a comprehensive 47-point victory. This commanding display left no doubt about Nigeria’s intentions to retain their Afrobasket title.
Paragraph 3: Individual Brilliance Fuels Collective Success
Nigeria’s victory was fueled by strong performances from several key players. Elizabeth Balogun, playing professionally for Charnay Basket in France, led the scoring charge with 18 points, complemented by four offensive rebounds and two defensive rebounds. Veteran center Victoria Macaulay, a consistent force for D’Tigress, contributed 13 points, four defensive rebounds, and two offensive rebounds, providing her usual blend of scoring and rebounding prowess. Murjanatu Musa also made a significant impact, adding 12 points, five defensive rebounds, and two offensive rebounds to the team’s dominant outing.
Paragraph 4: Rwanda Overwhelmed by Nigerian Onslaught
Rwanda, facing the reigning champions and Africa’s top-ranked team, struggled to contain Nigeria’s offensive firepower and defensive intensity. They were unable to mount any sustained challenge throughout the game, consistently trailing by a significant margin. D’Tigress’ suffocating defense limited Rwanda’s scoring opportunities, while their efficient offense consistently found ways to penetrate Rwanda’s defense. This lopsided encounter highlighted the vast gap between the two teams in terms of talent and experience.
Paragraph 5: Senegal Joins the Winning Ranks
The day also saw another dominant performance from a continental powerhouse, as Senegal comfortably defeated Guinea 92-48 in their opening group game. This result further emphasizes the strength of the West African teams in the tournament and sets up a potential clash between Senegal and Nigeria later in the competition. Both teams are considered strong contenders for the title, making their potential matchup a highly anticipated encounter.
Paragraph 6: D’Tigress Look Ahead to Next Challenge
Following their resounding victory against Rwanda, D’Tigress will shift their focus to their next opponent, Mozambique. The two teams are scheduled to face off on Monday at 4 p.m. at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan. While Nigeria enters the game as heavy favorites, they will be wary of complacency and will aim to maintain their momentum. Mozambique, despite being underdogs, will be looking to cause an upset and disrupt Nigeria’s march towards another Afrobasket title. This upcoming game promises to be another exciting chapter in the unfolding drama of the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket tournament.
