Nigeria Outclass Colombia As D’Tigress Eye Second Victory Against South Korea

Nigeria Outclass Colombia As D’Tigress Eye Second Victory Against South Korea 

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, Nigeria women's national basketball team, delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday, defeating Colombia women's national basketball team 70–37 in their opening game of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup qualification tournament in Lyon.

Coached by Rena Wakama, the reigning African champions controlled the contest from the opening quarter to the final buzzer, securing a comprehensive 33-point victory.

Forward Victoria Macaulay emerged as the game’s Most Valuable Player after contributing 13 points, six rebounds and one assist to lead Nigeria’s charge.

With the tournament schedule moving quickly, D’Tigress have already turned their attention to their next matchup against South Korea women's national basketball team, scheduled for Thursday.

South Korea will be aiming to bounce back after suffering defeat to Germany women's national basketball team in their opening fixture.

Nigeria and South Korea have faced each other twice previously, both encounters coming during Olympic qualifying tournaments in Olympic Games campaigns in 2016 and 2004. Nigeria won both games — a narrow 70–69 victory in 2016 and a 68–64 win in 2004 — giving D’Tigress the edge in their head-to-head record.

Despite that advantage, the Koreans are expected to pose a stronger challenge when the teams meet again at Astroballe (Villeurbanne Arena).

Point guard Elizabeth Balogun, who posted an impressive 7.4 rating in the win over Colombia, acknowledged that Nigeria expects a tougher contest.

“We respect every opponent we come across,” Balogun said. “The Koreans are very athletic, which is one of their major strengths, but we will not take them for granted at all.”