Nigerian forward Murjanatu Musa has called for greater defensive discipline despite D’Tigress’ emphatic 92–45 victory over Rwanda in their second game of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket on Saturday.
The win, recorded at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, marks Nigeria’s 25th consecutive victory in the tournament — a dominant streak stretching back to 2015.
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Speaking after the game, Musa emphasized the need to stay grounded despite the margin of victory.
“We expected a tough match against Rwanda as they are a good side,” Musa said. “I don’t know what happened to them, but it’s a good first win for us. It gives us the energy to keep working for more victories. Despite the win, there’s a need to tighten our defense in coming matches.”
Rwanda briefly took the lead early in the first quarter through Bella Murekatete’s inside play to go up 4–2.
But Ezinne Kalu quickly responded with a midrange jumper to tie the game at 4–4. From there, Nigeria launched an 8–0 run and never looked back, establishing full control of the contest.
Elisabeth Balogun led the scoring for Nigeria with 18 points. She was well supported by Murjanatu Musa (12 points), Victoria Macaulay (13), Ifunanya Okoro (11), and Amy Okonkwo (10), as five Nigerians finished in double figures.
The reigning champions also dominated in bench production, outscoring Rwanda’s reserves 37–13.
Nigeria capitalized on Rwanda’s 21 turnovers, converting them into 25 points — a crucial difference-maker in the game.
Despite Rwanda’s struggles, Murekatete stood out with seven points and rebounds, and an eye-catching block on former MVP Ezinne Kalu in the third quarter. Destiney Philoxy (11 points) and Keisha Hampton (10) were the only Rwandan players to score in double digits.
The match was a repeat of the 2023 AfroBasket semifinal in Kigali, where Nigeria had defeated hosts Rwanda 79–48 en route to claiming a fourth consecutive continental title.
While Rwanda impressed in their return to the international stage at the 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament, Nigeria once again reminded Africa who reigns supreme in women’s basketball.
