Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, began their campaign at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament positively, defeating Colombia women’s national basketball team 70–37 in Lyon, France.
The match, played at the Astroballe Arena in Villeurbanne on Wednesday, kicked off a commanding start for the African champions in the global qualifying tournament.
Nigeria’s D’Tigress delivered a suffocating defensive performance to overwhelm Colombia, limiting the South Americans to just 37 points, the lowest score conceded in any game of the qualifiers so far.
The result also represents Nigeria’s largest-ever winning margin against a non-African opponent, despite a long break following their continental triumph.
The African champions had last been in competitive action during their successful run at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in August 2025, where they extended their dominance on the continent.
Macaulay Leads Balanced Nigeria’s D’Tigress Attack
Off the bench, Victoria Macaulay delivered an outstanding performance to claim Player of the Game honours.
Macaulay scored 13 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting from the field and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line, while also contributing six rebounds and strong defensive plays in just 14 minutes.
She was well supported by Nicole Enabosi and Ifunanya Okoro, who both added 10 points to help power Nigeria’s balanced offense.
Second-Half Explosion Seals Blowout
Colombia initially kept the contest competitive, trailing only 34–29 at halftime. However, Nigeria exploded after the break with an impressive second-half display.
A dominant 13–0 scoring run in the final quarter effectively ended the contest as Colombia managed just three points in the entire fourth quarter.
D’Tigress dominated the key statistical categories, finishing with 53 rebounds to Colombia’s 39, while also recording 23 assists, eight steals, and five blocks.
Nigeria also capitalised on turnovers and fast breaks, scoring 17 points off turnovers and 18 fast-break points.
1st Quarter – Nigeria 18 – 12 Columbia
2nd Quarter – Nigeria 16 – 17 Columbia
3rd Quarter – Nigeria 19 – 5 Columbia
4th Quarter – Nigeria 17- 3 Columbia
Total – Nigeria 70 – 37 Columbia
Coach Wakama Continues Impressive Coaching Record
The victory further strengthens the record of head coach Rena Wakama, who now has 14 wins in 18 competitive matches since taking charge of the national team in 2023.
Under Wakama, D’Tigress have continued their historic dominance as seven-time AfroBasket champions, including an ongoing five-title streak.
World Cup Ticket Already Secured
Nigeria had already secured automatic qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany, scheduled for September 4–13, 2026, after winning the AfroBasket title.
However, the qualifying tournament provides valuable preparation against top international opposition.
In the tournament, Nigeria are grouped with:
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France women’s national basketball team
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Germany women’s national basketball team
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South Korea women’s national basketball team
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Philippines women’s national basketball team
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Colombia women’s national basketball team
The top three teams from each qualifying group will progress to the World Cup proper.
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Adaora Elonu Sends Message of Support
Former D’Tigress captain and 2021 AfroBasket MVP Adaora Elonu congratulated the team on their opening victory and encouraged them to maintain their winning momentum.
“My message to the team, the staff, support staff, everybody is all the best. You know, they’ve gotten this far because they’re very, very, very talented,” Elonu said.
“The coaches and everyone has prepared them for this moment, for the moments to come.”
“So all the best. We’ll be rooting and supporting them, you know, per usual. And we’re excited for them to continue their dominance.”
“So all the best ladies and coaches and staff and supporting staff. Continue doing a good job.”
Next Matches for D’Tigress
Nigeria will now shift focus to their next group fixtures in the qualifying tournament:
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South Korea – March 12
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Philippines – March 14
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France – March 15
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Germany – March 17
Following their dominant opening performance, D’Tigress will be confident of maintaining their strong form as they prepare for tougher tests against some of the world’s top teams.
