Nqigeria’s women’s national basketball team and African champions, D’Tigress defeated the Philippines 101-84 in a Group A match, claimed a convincing win after a tightly contested game that saw 12 lead changes across the opening three quarters at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne, France.
The Philippines controlled much of the first half and opened a 10-point lead in the second quarter, going ahead 35-25 and later 37-27 but the D’Tigress overturned a double-digit first-half to erased a five-point deficit with a 17-12 run midway through the third quarter after the Asian side spent more than 22 minutes in front during the game, while Nigeria led for about 15 minutes. The scores were level for just under three minutes.
Forward Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah capped the surge with a turnaround jump shot that tied 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 secured key rebounds as Nigeria moved ahead 70-67 heading into the final quarter.
Also, forward Murjanatu Musa recorded 10 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, while Nicole Enabosi added 15 points and 12 rebounds. Enabosi also produced a nine-point burst in the opening quarter, helping keep Nigeria within reach early in the game.
The group spent nearly 16 minutes on the court together and recorded a +12 differential during key stages of the match.
