Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, delivered a strong performance but fell 88 to 79 against the Minnesota Lynx in a preseason friendly in Kansas City. Despite the loss, the African champions showed clear signs of progress, pushing their experienced opponents in a closely contested encounter at the T-Mobile Centre.
Nigeria started brightly, matching their opponents in intensity and execution from the opening quarter. The lineup featuring Promise Amukamara, Ezinne Kalu, Suzie Rafiu, Uche Izoje, and Pallas Kunaiyi Akpanah held their own in a fast-paced contest, trailing narrowly 27 to 26 at the end of the first quarter before going into halftime just three points behind.
The third quarter saw the Lynx take control, capitalising on turnovers and fast break opportunities to extend their lead. However, D’Tigress responded with determination in the final quarter, mounting a late surge that reduced the deficit, though the American side held firm to secure the win with disciplined finishing.
Also Read: Iheanacho Nears Full Return as Sevilla Begin Preseason Preparations
Standout performances came from Ezinne Kalu, who led Nigeria with 25 points, while Gabby White and Pallas Kunaiyi Akpanah also made key contributions. The result forms part of Nigeria’s ongoing preseason tour, with the team set to face the Indiana Fever in their next outing as they continue preparations against top-level competition.
Leave feedback about this
You must be logged in to post a comment.