Defending champions Nigeria D’Tigress fought back from a first-quarter setback to defeat Mozambique in their second game, securing a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on Monday.
The African champions lost the first quarter with a score of 13-9 and levelled the second quarter 15-15 before dominating the third and fourth quarters to clinch a tough victory, finishing 60-55.
The match bore similarities to the quarter-final encounter between both countries at the last tournament in 2023, where Nigeria emerged victorious with a score of 59-52 after losing the first and second quarters.
The Nigerian team took time to settle into their rhythm against a determined and aggressive Mozambican squad, who were hoping to secure their first win against the D’Tigress in their last seven meetings dating back to 2013.
Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has charged the team to remain focused as they approach the business end of the competition, reminding them that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is eager to reward them handsomely if they successfully defend their African title for the fifth time in a row.
“We are very fortunate to have a sports-passionate president in Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who understands how to reward excellence. His recognition of the victorious Super Falcons is a perfect example. Nigerian sports has never experienced such support, and we are already witnessing positive outcomes in every facet of our athletics.”
“This is why I want to urge our elegant D’Tigress in Côte d’Ivoire to stay dedicated and disciplined, especially now that they have secured their place in the knockout stage. It is mission five in a row in Abidjan, and the entire country stands behind them, hoping they will return home to present the Afrobasket trophy to Mr President, just as the Super Falcons have done.”
The victory over Mozambique has further extended the unbeaten record of the Nigerian ladies at the Afrobasket to 26 consecutive wins since October 2015, bringing them closer to achieving a fifth straight AfroBasket title.
