2025 Women’s AfroBasket: Kalu Explains D’Tigress’ Early Struggles Against Mozambique

2025 Women’s AfroBasket: Kalu Explains D’Tigress’ Early Struggles Against Mozambique

Sampson Adedeji

D’Tigress guard, Ezinne Kalu, has shed light on Nigeria’s sluggish start in their 60-55 comeback victory over Mozambique in their second group game at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

“We started out really slow. We didn’t play Nigerian basketball. We gave up too many open shots,” Kalu admitted after the game, acknowledging the rocky first quarter that nearly cost them.

She praised the Mozambican side, adding: “Mozambique is a great team. You can’t sleep on them. We allowed them to drive too much and they grabbed about eight offensive rebounds. We just didn’t come out playing our game.”

According to Kalu, a strong halftime message from the coach sparked their turnaround: “In the second half, the coach said, ‘Listen, it’s time to turn it up. It’s time to play Nigerian basketball. Third quarter is a new game.’ We just came out with a little more energy.”

Reflecting on the team’s mindset, she added: “We know we’re a great team, but sometimes we get in our own heads and get a little lazy. Nobody wants to keep seeing Nigeria at the top, so we’ve got to keep reminding ourselves who we are.”

Kalu emphasized that there’s still room for improvement: “Right now, we’re still not fully playing Nigerian basketball, but I know we can do more. We’ll recover, watch film, correct our mistakes in practice, and take it one game at a time because everyone is pushing.”