Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, the D’Tigress, sent a powerful message to their rivals as they opened their FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025 campaign with a resounding 92–45 victory over Rwanda on Saturday, July 26.
The reigning champions came into the tournament as the team to beat — and they proved exactly why. This emphatic win not only kick-starts their title defense on a high note, but also extends their unbeaten run in the competition to an astonishing 25 games, a streak that began back in October 2015.
Nigeria in Full Control from the Tip-Off
Despite an early 4–2 lead by Rwanda, thanks to Bella Murekatete, it didn’t take long for the D’Tigress to find their rhythm. Sparked by an 8-0 run, Nigeria took command and never looked back.
Elizabeth Balogun got things going with a smooth mid-range jumper, while Murjanatu Musa and Victoria Macaulay joined forces with Balogun to lead Nigeria’s scoring charge. The trio combined for a dominant 43 points, completely overwhelming Rwanda’s defense.
Even Nigeria’s bench made a statement, outscoring Rwanda’s second unit 37–13, underlining the team’s incredible depth and efficiency.
Defense Wins Championships
Nigeria’s hallmark defense was on full display, forcing Rwanda into multiple turnovers and converting them into 25 points. Cheikh Sarr’s Rwandan side showed flashes of brilliance—most notably a big block by Murekatete on former MVP Ezinne Kalu—but those moments were few and far between.
Murekatete ended the game with 7 points, while Destiney Philoxy (11 points) and Keisha Hampton (10 points) were the only Rwandan players to score in double digits.
A Familiar Story
This dominant win was a reminder of Nigeria’s superiority, echoing their 79–48 semifinal win over Rwanda in the 2023 AfroBasket in Kigali. That victory paved the way for Nigeria’s fourth consecutive AfroBasket title—a legacy they seem poised to extend.
Rwanda had come into the tournament with renewed confidence after an impressive outing in the 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament. However, against a well-drilled, battle-tested Nigerian squad, they were simply outmatched.
What’s Next?
With this win, Nigeria take an early lead in Group D and reaffirm their dominance as Africa’s undisputed queens of the court. The D’Tigress are chasing a fifth straight AfroBasket title, and if this performance is anything to go by, they’re well on their way.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on whether any team can match Nigeria’s intensity, experience, and sheer firepower. For now, the D’Tigress have made it clear: they’re not just here to compete — they’re here to conquer.
