FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025: D’Tigress crush Rwanda 92–45 in thrilling opener
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, began their 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title defence on a winning note, demolishing Rwanda 92–45 in their opening game in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
The commanding performance extended Nigeria’s unbeaten streak in the tournament to 25 games, a run that dates back to October 2015, and reaffirmed their dominance on the continent.
Elizabeth Balogun got Nigeria off the mark with a composed mid-range jumper, although Rwanda briefly took a 4–2 lead through Bella Murekatete. However, Ezinne Kalu quickly levelled the game before Nigeria went on an 8–0 run that set the tone for the rest of the match. Rwanda never recovered.
Despite Murekatete’s spirited efforts, which included a highlight-reel block on Kalu and a contribution of seven points and seven rebounds, Rwanda struggled to match Nigeria’s intensity and depth. Destiney Philoxy and Keisha Hampton were the only Rwandan players to hit double digits, scoring 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Nigeria’s strength in depth was evident as the bench outscored Rwanda’s 37–13, while the defending champions capitalised on Rwanda’s errors, scoring 25 points off turnovers.
The trio of Balogun, Murjanatu Musa, and Victoria Macaulay proved decisive, combining for 43 points in a dominant all-around display.
Reflecting on the win, Murjanatu Musa said, “We expected a tough match against Rwanda, as they are a good side. I don’t know what happened to them, but it is a good first win for us and gives us the energy to keep working for those victories. Despite the win, there’s a need to tighten our defence in the coming matches.”
The matchup was a rematch of the 2023 AfroBasket semifinal in Kigali, where Nigeria defeated host Rwanda 79–48 en route to lifting their fourth straight continental title.
While Rwanda arrived in Abidjan on the back of a strong outing at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament, D’Tigress once again proved why they remain the team to beat in African basketball.
