Nigeria’s D’Tigress opened their 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket campaign in spectacular fashion with a 92–45 rout of Rwanda in their first group match on July 27, 2025, at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The dominant performance set the tone for Nigeria’s title defence, with the champions firing on all cylinders on both ends of the court.
From the opening tip‑off, D’Tigress showcased exceptional offensive execution, moving the ball with pace and precision while limiting Rwanda’s scoring opportunities through swarming defensive pressure. Key contributors in the affair included veterans and emerging stars alike, as Nigeria’s bench depth proved a strategic advantage.
This win kept Nigeria on track in the early stage of AfroBasket 2025, as they aimed to extend their historic run of consecutive continental championships. The tournament serves as much more than just a regional title fight, it also impacts global qualification pathways, with the top finishers earning places in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers and world rankings.
