Defending champions Nigeria send powerful message with 92-45 blowout in Abidjan
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – July 27, 2025 – Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, began their quest for a fourth consecutive AfroBasket title in commanding fashion, demolishing Rwanda 92-45 in their opening game of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament.
The defending champions were dominant from the tip-off to the final buzzer, outclassing their East African opponents with speed, tactical discipline, and ruthless scoring efficiency. The emphatic win, staged at the Palais des Sports in Abidjan, sends a strong signal to title contenders across the continent that D’Tigress are here not just to defend their crown—but to do so in style.
A Fast Start for the Champions
Under the guidance of head coach Rena Wakama, Nigeria wasted no time in asserting their superiority. With an energetic start, the D’Tigress raced to a 45-25 lead by halftime, capitalizing on their height advantage, quick ball movement, and clinical finishing.
Rwanda struggled to find rhythm against Nigeria’s aggressive defense and high-press offense. The D’Tigress forced multiple turnovers in the opening two quarters, converting them into fast-break points that widened the gap rapidly.
Team captain Promise Amukamara, speaking after the match, credited the team’s preparation and mindset. “We knew we had to set the tone early in this tournament. We came out with intensity and never let up,” she said.
Dominance in the Second Half
Whatever hopes Rwanda had of mounting a second-half comeback were quickly dashed. Nigeria came out of the locker room with even greater urgency, tightening their defense and increasing their offensive tempo.
By the end of the third quarter, the score had ballooned to 71-37. From that point, it became a showcase of depth and talent, as Coach Wakama rotated her squad to give younger players valuable minutes while maintaining the team’s high performance level.
The final quarter was a formality as D’Tigress wrapped up the 47-point blowout, closing with a 92-45 scoreline—one of the largest margins in recent tournament history.
“We wanted to make a statement,” said Coach Wakama. “Our eyes are on the title, but we’re taking it one game at a time. Rwanda came to play, but our girls were just too focused and executed the game plan perfectly.”
Team Effort Defines Victory
It was a well-rounded team performance from D’Tigress, with multiple players scoring in double digits and showcasing the team’s impressive bench depth. Veteran forward Evelyn Akhator led the charge in the paint, while guard Ifunanya Okoro impressed with sharp perimeter shooting.
Rising star Amy Okonkwo also drew praise for her commanding presence on both ends of the court. “We’ve got a great mix of experience and youth,” said Akhator. “Everyone knows their role, and we’re here to win.”
Defensively, the team held Rwanda to just 45 points, applying full-court pressure and limiting their shooting options throughout the match.
Senegal Also Impress in Early Action
Earlier in the day, continental powerhouse Senegal—Nigeria’s longtime rivals—opened their own campaign with an equally dominant 92-48 win over Guinea. The two performances have set the stage for a potentially explosive meeting should the teams cross paths later in the tournament.
Both Nigeria and Senegal are considered favorites to reach the finals, having contested several classic encounters in previous editions. D’Tigress famously defeated Senegal in the 2017, 2019, and 2021 finals to claim their last three titles.
Tournament Opens in Abidjan
The 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament officially tipped off on Saturday, July 26, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This year’s edition features 12 of the continent’s top national women’s basketball teams battling for continental glory and qualification to the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.
Nigeria, placed in Group B alongside Rwanda, Mozambique, and Kenya, will next face Mozambique, who are also tipped as a potential dark horse in the group. With the top two teams advancing to the knockout stages, every game remains critical.
Coach Wakama emphasized the importance of staying grounded. “This win is great, but we’re not looking too far ahead. We respect every opponent. Our focus is on getting better each game and building momentum toward the final.”
Nigeria’s Reign and Legacy
D’Tigress have become the gold standard in African women’s basketball, entering this year’s tournament as three-time defending champions, having won the last editions in 2017, 2019, and 2021. The team was unable to participate in the 2023 edition due to administrative issues, making this return even more significant.
Now under renewed leadership and with a stable federation, the team is determined to reclaim its throne and remind the continent of their pedigree.
“We missed out in 2023, but we’re back to finish what we started,” said shooting guard Victoria Macaulay. “This is personal for us.”
Nigerian Fans React with Excitement
The victory sparked widespread excitement among Nigerian fans on social media, with hashtags like #DTigress and #AfroBasket2025 trending across platforms. Videos of the team celebrating in the locker room and highlights from the game flooded X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, as fans rallied behind the squad.
Prominent Nigerians, including athletes, entertainers, and even politicians, also shared congratulatory messages online.
In a brief post on Sunday morning, the Nigerian Ministry of Youth and Sports Development praised the team’s performance, calling it “a brilliant start to what promises to be a golden campaign.”
What’s Next for D’Tigress?
Nigeria’s next group match against Mozambique is scheduled for Monday, July 28, and is expected to be a sterner test of the team’s title credentials. Mozambique defeated Kenya in their opener and are eager to challenge Nigeria’s dominance in the group.
With momentum firmly on their side, D’Tigress are expected to rotate the squad while maintaining tactical discipline and intensity.
As the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket heats up in Abidjan, one thing is already clear—Nigeria’s D’Tigress are back, they’re hungry, and they mean business.
Africa Live News will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of Nigeria’s journey at the AfroBasket 2025 tournament, including exclusive post-game interviews, player profiles, and expert analysis from Abidjan.
