D'Tigress Triumphs Over Colombia in FIBA Qualifier Opener

On Wednesday, Nigeria's senior women's basketball team, D'Tigress, achieved a commanding victory over Colombia's Lionesses, winning 70-37 in their first match of Group D in the 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifiers. The game saw Nigeria take an early lead, finishing the first quarter at 18-12.

Although they lost the second quarter 16-17, they maintained a halftime lead of 34-29. In the second half, Nigeria displayed a ruthless performance, outscoring Colombia 19-5 in the third quarter and 17-3 in the final quarter.

Colombia, ranked 6th in the world and a powerhouse in women's basketball, has previously secured 5th place in the last three World Cups (2021, 2023, 2025). Nigeria has won the AfroBasket title seven times and has made quarter-final appearances in the World Cup twice, including in 2018.

The D'Tigress will next compete against Korea on Thursday at 2 PM Nigerian time, followed by matches against the Philippines and France.