D’Tigress Eye South Korea After Big Win Over Colombia

Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have turned their attention to their next challenge against South Korea after recording a commanding victory over Colombia in their opening game of the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament in Lyon, France.

The African champions delivered an emphatic performance on Wednesday, defeating Colombia 70–37 in a one-sided contest that saw the Nigerian side dominate from the first quarter to the final buzzer. The win placed D’Tigress in a strong position in the qualification race as the tournament schedule moves quickly with back-to-back fixtures.

Coach Rena Wakama’s team controlled the tempo throughout the game, showing defensive discipline and attacking efficiency to secure a 33-point margin victory. Nigeria outplayed Colombia in all four quarters, limiting their opponents’ scoring opportunities while maintaining a consistent offensive rhythm.

READ ALSO: New Polio Cases Reported in Zamfara State

Forward Victoria Macaulay emerged as the Most Valuable Player of the game after delivering a solid all-round performance. She scored 13 points, grabbed six rebounds and recorded one assist to lead the Nigerian side to victory. Her display was widely praised by analysts as a key factor in the team’s strong start to the competition.

With little time to celebrate, the team has now shifted focus to Thursday’s crucial encounter against South Korea, another experienced side in international women’s basketball. The Koreans will be seeking redemption after losing their opening match to Germany and are expected to provide a tougher test for the African champions.

Nigeria and South Korea have met twice in previous international competitions, both during Olympic qualifying tournaments in 2004 and 2016. On both occasions, D’Tigress secured narrow victories, winning 68–64 in 2004 and 70–69 in 2016, giving Nigeria the edge in the head-to-head record.

Despite that advantage, players say they are not underestimating their next opponents. Point guard Elizabeth Balogun, who delivered an impressive performance against Colombia, said the team is preparing for a more demanding contest.

“We respect every opponent we come across, and the Koreans are very athletic, which is one of their major strengths. We will not take them for granted at all,” she said.

The match against South Korea will take place at the Villeurbanne Arena in Lyon, where Nigeria hopes to maintain its winning momentum and move closer to securing a place at the FIBA Women’s World Cup.