Nigeria women’s national basketball team, popularly known as D’Tigress, returned to winning ways with a commanding 101–84 victory over the Philippines women’s national basketball team in their third game at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament.
Nigeria, coming off a defeat to South Korea women’s national basketball team in their previous match, looked in danger of suffering another setback against an Asian opponent.
The African champions trailed 51–42 at halftime, but produced a strong second-half performance to overturn the deficit in Lyon, France.
Coached by Rena Wakama, D’Tigress responded with greater intensity after the break, scoring 34 points in the third quarter and 25 in the fourth to secure their second win of the tournament.
Nigeria had struggled early in the game, falling 26–21 in the first quarter as the Philippines capitalised on defensive lapses. The Asian side maintained their momentum in the second quarter, edging Nigeria 25–21 to take a nine-point lead into halftime.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically after the break. D’Tigress raised their tempo, moved the ball more effectively and tightened their defence, dominating the third quarter 34–21 to seize control of the contest.
Wakama’s side carried that momentum into the final quarter, outscoring the Philippines 25–12 to complete a convincing comeback victory.
Although Nigeria have already secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after winning a historic fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title last year, the qualifying tournament serves as preparation for the global competition scheduled to take place in Germany later in 2026.
