D’TIGRESS DIG DEEP TO BEAT MOZAMBIQUE AND REACH AFROBASKET QUARTER-FINALS

By: Gyang Dakwo

Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, are through to the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket after a hard-fought 60–55 win over Mozambique on Monday evening in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The match took place at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, and it was far from easy for the defending champions. After starting their campaign with a strong win against Rwanda, D’Tigress had to show real determination to get past a fired-up Mozambique team in their second Group D game.

Mozambique came out stronger and took the first quarter 13–9, showing they were ready to challenge Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s basketball. The second quarter was just as tight, as both teams scored 15 points each, and it left Nigeria with a small hill to climb.

But things began to turn around in the second half as D’Tigress slowly found their rhythm and won the third quarter 18–15. They stepped up even more in the final stretch, winning the fourth quarter 18–12, and that gave them the edge they needed to close out the game.

Ezinne Kalu led the way with 16 points, and she also grabbed three rebounds and made four assists. Promise Amukamara was also sharp as she scored 13 points and pulled down six rebounds. Murjanatu Musa had a big night too, finishing with a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds, which gave Nigeria strength in the paint.

Amy Okonkwo and Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah also made solid contributions with 8 and 6 points, helping the team at both ends of the court.

Mozambique had their standout player in Ingvild Mucauro, who scored 15 points and added eight rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Leia Dongue and Silvia Veloso chipped in with 7 points each, but they could not stop Nigeria’s strong finish.

The result means D’Tigress top their group and move straight into the quarter-finals, keeping their unbeaten record at AfroBasket since 2015. Mozambique will now need to play in the playoffs if they want to join the last eight.

D’Tigress will be hoping to keep this form going as they chase yet another continental title.