In a Group A match at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne, France, Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, overcame a deficit to overcome the Philippines 101-84.
After a fiercely contested match that featured 12 lead changes in the first three quarters, the African champions overcame a double-digit first-half deficit at the Astroballe to secure a comfortable victory.
After controlling a large portion of the first half, the Philippines took a 10-point advantage in the second quarter, leading 35-25 and then 37-27. Nigeria led for almost 15 minutes, but the Asian team held the lead for more than 22 minutes. For slightly under three minutes, the scores were tied.
The African team overcame a five-point deficit with a 17–12 rally midway through the third quarter. With just over three minutes remaining in the period, forward Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah completed the comeback with a turnaround jump shot that tied the score at 67-67.
During that period, Promise Amukamara pulled down crucial rebounds and guards Ifunanya Okoro and Elizabeth Balogun combined for nine points, giving Nigeria a 70-67 lead going into the final quarter.
Janine Pontejos and Louna Ozar of the Philippines tried to reply with outside shots, but Nigeria’s inside scoring proved to be crucial as they progressively withdrew.
Between the sixth and fourth minutes of the fourth quarter, Nigeria went on a 9-0 run to take the victory. A slim 81-80 edge was transformed into a 90-80 advantage by the surge. Balogun shot flawlessly and scored five points throughout the sequence.
In just over 21 minutes, center Victoria Macaulay scored 16 points, pulled down six rebounds, dished out five assists, and blocked two shots. During Nigeria’s comeback in the second half, she received a +13 plus-minus rating.
Nicole Enabosi contributed 15 points and 12 rebounds, while forward Murjanatu Musa finished with 10 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. In the first quarter, Enabosi also scored nine points to help keep Nigeria within striking distance.
With 16 points, Pontejos led the Philippines. They extended their lead in the first half with an eight-point outburst late in the second quarter. Late in the first period, Kacey Dela Rosa went on a seven-point spree and contributed as well.
Amukamara, Macaulay, Balogun, Musa, and Ezinne Kalu made comprised Nigeria’s most potent lineup. During crucial moments in the game, the team recorded a +12 differential while spending almost 16 minutes on the court together.
According to reports, Nigeria’s eight-game winning run in competitive games ended with a 77-60 loss against South Korea. They had already defeated Colombia 70-37 in the tournament before that defeat.
Nigeria won the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket title, earning them a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
The event, which continues in Villeurbanne from March 11 to 17, will pit them against hosts France on Sunday.
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