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By Joe Apu
Africa’s reigning champions, Nigeria’s D’Tigress, will face host nation France today in what many observers regard as one of the standout fixtures of the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Lyon.
Although Nigeria have already secured qualification for the forthcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin and France also assured of their place after Nigeria’s win over the Philippines, today’s encounter is expected to provide a stern test for the Nigerian side against the Olympic silver medallists.
Head coach Rena Wakama has urged her players to display resilience and discipline as they prepare to confront the highly rated French team.
According to Wakama, D’Tigress must overcome the slow starts that have characterised their performances in the tournament so far.
“Against France, we need to be tough and focused. There’s also a need for us to stay disciplined because it won’t be an easy game,” Wakama said. “I understand that some of my players are not in season at the moment, which has contributed to the slow starts. But after three games, I hope we are beginning to gain confidence and will play better.”
Forward Nicole Enabosi also expressed optimism ahead of the clash, noting that the team is gradually rediscovering its rhythm after a period away from competitive action.
“I think we’re beginning to play more like we used to, having been off for some time,” Enabosi said. “But we’re getting better.
As a team, it’s what every player brings that counts, and it could be anyone’s turn to make the difference. We will play as a team.”
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Nigeria head into the game on the back of an impressive 101–84 comeback victory over the Philippines on Saturday, securing their second win of the tournament.
D’Tigress showed remarkable resilience after trailing at halftime against the Filipinas, who dominated the opening half and won the first two quarters 26–21 and 25–21 to take a 51–42 lead into the break.
However, the Nigerian side responded emphatically in the second half. Wakama’s team produced a strong third-quarter display, outscoring the Philippines 34–21 before sealing the victory with a commanding 25–12 finish in the final quarter.
Despite forcing Nigeria into 18 turnovers, the Filipinas were unable to capitalise as D’Tigress maintained composure and executed decisive plays to pull away late in the game.
Victoria Macaulay delivered another outstanding performance for the third consecutive game, recording 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
Enabosi also impressed with a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Murjanatu Musa contributed 10 points and posted an efficiency rating of 24.
For the Philippines, Janine Pontejos led the scoring with 16 points.
The victory further underlined Nigeria’s status as the dominant force in African women’s basketball.
