- D’Tigress lose 88-79 to Minnesota Lynx in US tour
- Improved performance seen despite second consecutive defeat
- Team prepares for final game against Indiana Fever
Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, suffered a second straight defeat on their United States tour, losing 88-79 to the Minnesota Lynx in a closely contested game on Tuesday.
The match, held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, saw the Nigerian side deliver a stronger performance compared to their opening loss.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that under assistant coach Wani Muganguzi, standing in for Rena Wakama who is on WNBA duty with the Chicago Sky, the team showed improved coordination in attack and defence.
D’Tigress started brightly, with Ezinne Kalu leading the charge alongside Promise Amukamara and Pallas Kunaiyi Akpanah. The first quarter ended 27-26 in favour of Minnesota, while the Lynx extended their lead slightly to 46-43 at halftime.
Minnesota pulled ahead in the third quarter, outscoring Nigeria 21-16, before maintaining control in the final quarter to seal the win.
Kalu was Nigeria’s top performer with 25 points, while Gabby White added 16 and Kunaiyi Akpanah contributed 11. Despite the loss, D’Tigress dominated rebounds 36-25 and recorded more steals.
However, shooting efficiency proved decisive, with the Lynx converting 50 percent of their attempts compared to Nigeria’s 40 percent. Minnesota also led in assists, reflecting better ball movement.
The game featured multiple lead changes, highlighting its competitiveness, but Minnesota’s depth, including strong bench contributions, proved crucial.
The tour is part of Nigeria’s build up to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, where the team will compete in Group B.
D’Tigress will face the Indiana Fever in their final game of the series, aiming to build on the progress shown.
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