ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (BN24) — Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, will look to confirm their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket when they face Mozambique in a pivotal Group D clash on Monday in Abidjan. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. Nigerian time at the Palais des Sports de Treichville.
Coming off a commanding 92–45 victory over Rwanda in their tournament opener, the six-time African champions are riding a wave of momentum. The win extended their undefeated run in the competition, which stretches back to a 2015 semi-final loss—D’Tigress have not dropped a game at the AfroBasket since.
Head coach Rena Wakama’s side put in a dominant, all-around performance in their first outing, outscoring Rwanda in all four quarters and showcasing their depth across the bench. Elizabeth Balogun led Nigeria with 18 points, while Victoria Macaulay and Murjanatu Musa chipped in 13 and 12 points respectively. Emerging talent Vera Ojenuwa also made her mark, scoring on her tournament debut.
Mozambique, who also opened their campaign with a win—beating Rwanda 72–55—pose a real threat to Nigeria’s group lead. Their strong starts in both the first and fourth quarters proved key, setting the stage for what is now a direct battle for Group D supremacy.
Nigeria holds a commanding head-to-head record against Mozambique, winning eight of their last ten meetings. The most recent showdown came during the 2023 AfroBasket quarter-finals, where D’Tigress edged out a 59–52 victory in a hard-fought contest. Their previous group stage encounter in 2021 also ended in Nigeria’s favor, 67–50. Mozambique’s last win over the Nigerians dates back to the 2013 quarter-finals.
Statistically, D’Tigress continue to outpace their group rivals, averaging 92 points per game to Mozambique’s 72. Nigeria also leads in rebounds (47 to 46), assists (25 to 20), and shooting efficiency, with standout marks in both free-throw percentage (83.3%) and two-point shooting (58.3%). Their suffocating defense was on full display against Rwanda, setting the tone for the tournament.
Coach Wakama is expected to maintain her balanced rotation, blending experienced internationals like Amy Okonkwo and Ifunaya Okoro with rising stars such as Ojenuwa. That strategy has proven effective so far, as Nigeria eyes a record-extending seventh continental title.
With a win today, D’Tigress would secure top spot in Group D and advance to the knockout stage with a game to spare—further cementing their status as tournament favorites.
