Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, will be aiming to secure an early ticket to the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket when they face Mozambique in their second Group D clash today (Monday) in Abidjan.
The game, set for 4pm Nigerian time at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, presents an opportunity for the reigning champions to cement top spot in the group and continue their march toward a record-extending seventh continental crown.
Coach Rena Wakama’s side began their title defence in emphatic fashion on Saturday, dismantling Rwanda 92–45 in a dominant display that underlined their status as tournament favourites. D’Tigress controlled all four quarters with ruthless efficiency, showcasing their depth and cohesion on both ends of the court.
Elizabeth Balogun led the charge with a game-high 18 points, while experienced duo Victoria Macaulay and Murjanatu Musa added 13 and 12 points respectively. Newcomer Vera Ojenuwa also impressed, marking her debut with points on the board.
Mozambique also come into the tie with momentum, having defeated Rwanda 72–55 in their own opening game. A strong start and an assured finish gave them the edge, setting up today’s matchup as a direct battle for group supremacy.
Historically, Nigeria have dominated this fixture, winning eight of their last ten meetings with Mozambique. Their most recent encounter came at the 2023 AfroBasket quarter-finals, where D’Tigress emerged 59–52 victors in a tightly contested affair. In the 2021 edition, Nigeria claimed a 67–50 win in the group stage, while Mozambique’s last triumph over Nigeria came in the 2013 quarter-finals.
Statistically, D’Tigress have been the more clinical and efficient side so far in the tournament. They average 92 points per game compared to Mozambique’s 72, and lead key metrics such as rebounds (47 to 46), assists (25 to 20), and free-throw shooting percentage (83.3% to 56.5%).
Nigeria also boast superior two-point shooting accuracy at 58.3% and a more aggressive defensive approach—evident in their suffocating performance against Rwanda.
With key players like Balogun, Macaulay, Amy Okonkwo, and Ifunaya Okoro in fine form, and a well-blended squad mixing experience with youthful energy, Coach Wakama is expected to maintain her balanced rotation.
A win today would not only guarantee Nigeria a place in the knockout stages but also reinforce their ambitions of defending their crown and extending their unbeaten run at the AfroBasket—an impressive streak that stretches back to the 2015 semi-finals.
