Tigress Run Over Colombia 70–37 In FIBA World Cup Qualifier As Ifunanya Okoro

’Tigress Run Over Colombia 70–37 in FIBA World Cup Qualifier as Ifunanya Okoro Stars Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, delivered a dominant 70–37 victory over Colombia on Wednesday in their opening match of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament at the Astroballe Arena in Villeurbanne, France. Under the guidance of head coach Rena Wakama, the reigning African champions controlled nearly every facet of play and maintained command for over 33 minutes, limiting Colombia to just 37 points and asserting their preparation for the global competition set for later this year in Germany. Guard Ifunanya Okoro led Nigeria with an impressive all‑round performance, finishing with 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals while logging 28:01 minutes on the court. Her efficiency was evident in both ends of the floor, contributing to Nigeria’s defensive pressure and transition scoring.

Forward Nicole Enabosi complemented the effort with a double‑double 10 points and 11 rebounds along with 5 assists in under 24 minutes, anchoring Nigeria’s interior play. From the bench, Victoria Macaulay sparked Nigeria’s offence by pouring in 13 points on 5‑of‑6 shooting, also pulling down 6 rebounds, helping Nigeria extend its lead as the game progressed.

The turning point came in the latter stages of the second quarter when Nigeria erased a three‑point deficit to tie the game at 27–27 through baskets from Macaulay and Okoro. After Colombia briefly regained the lead, Nicole Enabosi’s layup put Nigeria ahead for good at 28–27. A key block by centre Pallas Kunaiyi‑Akpanah ignited a 16‑0 scoring run spanning halftime, stretching the lead into double figures and effectively tilting control firmly in Nigeria’s favour.

During this key run, Nigeria outscored Colombia 36–8 across the third and fourth quarters, showcasing both offensive balance and defensive discipline.

• First Quarter: Nigeria led 18–12, setting the tone early.
• Half‑Time: Nigeria held a 34–29 advantage after a narrow second quarter battle.
• Third & Fourth Quarters: D’Tigress outscored Colombia 36–8 to seal the commanding win.
• Largest Lead: Nigeria’s biggest advantage was 34 points at 68–34 with just over two minutes left.

For Colombia, Mabel Martinez led her team with 6 points in limited offensive possession but could not stem Nigeria’s dominant run after halftime Although the D’Tigress have already secured qualification to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin by virtue of winning the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket title, the qualifying tournament in France offers valuable competitive practice and a chance to sharpen tactical cohesion against international opponents. The team’s next assignment in the World Cup qualifiers is scheduled for Thursday, when Nigeria faces South Korea as they seek to continue their impressive form. Nigeria’s emphatic victory highlights their defensive strength, depth of scoring, and balanced play all key ingredients as they transition toward global competition later this year.