A brilliant second-half performance saw Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, bounce back from a disappointing start to defeat the Philippines 101–84 in their third game of the ongoing 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Lyon, France, at the Astroballe Arena.
Looking to recover from their 77–60 loss to South Korea on Thursday, the African champions began the game slowly as the Philippines raced to a strong start.
The Filipinas dominated the first half, outscoring D’Tigress 25–21 in the opening quarter and 26–21 in the second to take a comfortable nine-point lead into halftime at 51–42.
However, D’Tigress returned from the break with renewed intensity. The Nigerians stormed back in the third quarter, outscoring the Philippines 34–21 to erase the deficit and swing the momentum in their favour.
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Although the Philippines attempted a response in the fourth quarter, they were overwhelmed by a rampaging D’Tigress side, who sealed the victory by dominating the final period 25–12 and pushing past the 100-point mark in emphatic fashion.
Victoria Macaulay led D’Tigress with an outstanding all-round performance, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. Nicole Enabosi also delivered a superb display, recording a double-double with 15 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and one steal, while Elizabeth Balogun added 14 points.
Guard Ezinne Kalu contributed 13 points, seven assists, and three steals. Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah narrowly missed out on a double-double, posting 10 points and nine rebounds, while Murjanatu Musa came close to a triple-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists in the victory.
For the Philippines, Kent Jane Pastrana and Janine Pontejos each scored 16 points. Stefanie Berberabe added 13 points, while Louna Ozar chipped in with 11 points.
Next up, D’Tigress will face hosts France on Sunday before taking on Germany on Tuesday.
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