D’Tigress Stage Second-Half Comeback to Beat Philippines 101–84

Nigeria women’s national basketball team produced a strong second-half performance to defeat the Philippines women’s national basketball team 101–84 in a Group A clash at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament held in Villeurbanne on Saturday.

The Philippines dominated much of the first half and built a 10-point lead, holding the advantage for over 22 minutes before Nigeria mounted a comeback after halftime.

Nigeria began turning the game around in the third quarter, overturning a five-point deficit with a 17–12 run. A turnaround jumper from Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah tied the game at 67–67.

During the run, Ifunanya Okoro and Elizabeth Balogun combined for nine points, while Promise Amukamara contributed rebounds and added two points.

Although three-pointers from Janine Pontejos and Louna Ozar kept the Philippines close, Nigeria edged ahead 70–67 at the end of the third quarter.

Victoria Macaulay starred for Nigeria with 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Murjanatu Musa delivered an all-round performance with 10 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.

Nicole Enabosi also impressed with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

The Philippines’ top performer was Pontejos, who scored 16 points and sparked an eight-point surge late in the second quarter.

Nigeria secured control of the game with a crucial 9–0 run in the final quarter, turning an 81–80 lead into a comfortable 90–80 advantage.

The contest saw 12 lead changes before Nigeria seized the lead permanently midway through the third quarter. Nigeria’s biggest lead eventually reached 17 points as the game ended 101–84.

The victory underlined Nigeria’s resilience, with strong rebounding and balanced scoring helping the team complete an impressive comeback in the tournament.

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