Follow Us on Google
By Joe Apu
Nigeria’s D’Tigress have shifted their focus to their next challenge against South Korea, with head coach Rena Wakama urging her team to maintain discipline and aggression following their emphatic (18-12, 16-17, 19-5, 17-3) 70–37 victory over Colombia in their opening game of the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.
The reigning African champions delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday, brushing aside Colombia with a balanced team display that saw several players make key contributions.
Victoria Macaulay led Nigeria’s charge off the bench with a game-high 13 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Nicole Enabosi recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds while adding five assists, while Ifunaya Okoro also contributed 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists in the convincing win.
Head coach Wakama described the victory as a solid start but stressed that the team must remain focused as tougher tests lie ahead.
“We’ve built a level of trust among ourselves and I must say I wasn’t afraid at the end of the first half,” Wakama said. “I only told the players to remain focused and disciplined. Today we had 39 bench points and that tells you it could be anyone that will make the difference in our game. Against the Koreans we want to stay aggressive but disciplined.”
Team captain Ezinne Kalu, who finished with eight points, acknowledged that the opening game was more challenging than the scoreline suggested and emphasized the need for full concentration against South Korea.
“It was fun being together again as a team since after August last year,” Kalu said.
Other News
“We had to play our style of game after a difficult first half and at the end we won. Against South Korea, we know they will be a difficult and physical
side, but we will take it one game at a time.”
Colombia struggled to match Nigeria’s intensity, with Mabel Martinez and Jenifer Munoz leading their side with six points each. Daniella Gonzalez added five points, five rebounds, and two assists.
Gonzalez admitted after the ame in Lyon that Nigeria’s physicality played a major role in Colombia’s defeat.
“It’s an honour to represent your country at the international level and I am always ready to represent my country,” she said. “We look forward to facing host France and we hope to
play better than we did against Nigeria.”
With confidence boosted by the convincing victory, D’Tigress will now aim to carry their momentum into their clash against South Korea as they continue their quest for qualification to the FIBA Women’s World Cup.
