- D’Tigress Rally To Beat Philippines 101–84 In World Cup Qualifier
- Nigeria overturns early deficit with strong second half performance.
- Team will face hosts France in next tournament match.
Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, rallied from behind to defeat the Philippines 101–84 in a Group A match at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne, France.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Governor Ahmadu Fintiri Defects To APC As Atiku’s Son Refuses To Dump PDP
- Should Governors Have To Join Ruling Party for ‘Greater Federal Support’?
- FEDSA National Pays Courtesy Visit to Lekki LCDA Chairman, Applauds Free JAMB Initiative
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the African champions recovered from a double digit first half deficit at the Astroballe Arena to secure a convincing victory in a closely contested game that recorded 12 lead changes across the opening three quarters.
The Philippines dominated much of the first half and opened a 10 point lead in the second quarter, moving ahead 35–25 and later extending the advantage to 37–27. The Asian side spent more than 22 minutes in front during the game, while Nigeria led for about 15 minutes.
Midway through the third quarter, Nigeria began their comeback by erasing a five point deficit with a 17–12 run. Forward Pallas Kunaiyi Akpanah completed the surge with a turnaround jump shot that levelled the score at 67–67 with just over three minutes left in the period.
Guards Ifunanya Okoro and Elizabeth Balogun combined for nine points during that stretch, while Promise Amukamara grabbed crucial rebounds as Nigeria moved ahead 70–67 going into the final quarter.
The Philippines attempted to respond through outside shooting from Janine Pontejos and Louna Ozar, but Nigeria’s dominance inside the paint proved decisive as they gradually extended their lead.
Nigeria sealed the win with a decisive 9–0 run in the fourth quarter, turning a narrow 81–80 lead into a comfortable 90–80 advantage. Balogun scored five points during that sequence.
Centre Victoria Macaulay delivered an impressive performance with 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks in just over 21 minutes of action.
Forward Murjanatu Musa recorded 10 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, while Nicole Enabosi added 15 points and 12 rebounds to strengthen Nigeria’s dominance.
Pontejos led the Philippines with 16 points, while Kacey Dela Rosa also made key contributions during the game.
The victory followed Nigeria’s earlier 77–60 defeat to South Korea, which ended their eight match winning streak in competitive games. The team had opened the tournament with a 70–37 win over Colombia.
Nigeria have already qualified for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after winning the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket title.
D’Tigress will face hosts France on Sunday as the tournament continues from March 11 to 17 in Villeurbanne.
FURTHER READING
- Fire Breaks Out At Jama’a Emir’s Palace In Kaduna
- ‘Security Is Local’ – Tinubu Makes Fresh Case for State Policing
- Nigeria’s GDP Grows by 4.07% in Q4 2025, NBS Reports
