D’Tigress fall 88–79 to Minnesota Lynx on US tour

Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, suffered a second straight defeat on their United States tour, losing 88–79 to Minnesota Lynx in a competitive clash at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on Tuesday.

 

Playing under assistant coach Wani Muganguzi in the absence of head coach Rena Wakama, the Nigerian side showed improvement from their opening loss to Los Angeles Sparks, matching the Lynx across all four quarters.

 

D’Tigress started brightly, with Promise Amukamara, Ezinne Kalu, Suzie Rafiu, Uche Izoje and Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah holding their own in a fast-paced first quarter that ended 27–26 in favour of Minnesota.

 

The contest remained tight in the first half, with the Lynx edging the second quarter 19–17 to take a 46–43 lead into the break. The hosts gradually pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Nigeria 21–16, before sealing victory with a 21–20 edge in the final period.

 

Kalu led Nigeria with 25 points, while Gabby White added 16. Kunaiyi-Akpanah contributed 11 points and Izoje chipped in eight in a more balanced attacking display.

 

Despite outrebounding Minnesota 36–25 and recording more steals (8–5), D’Tigress were undone by lower shooting efficiency, converting 40 per cent of their field goals compared to the Lynx’s 50 per cent. Nigeria also trailed in assists, 23–11.

 

Both teams scored 32 points in the paint, but Minnesota capitalised on fast-break opportunities, posting 13 points against Nigeria’s seven, and relied on superior ball movement to create scoring chances.

 

The game featured six lead changes and five ties, although the Lynx’s largest lead of 15 points proved decisive.

 

Courtney Williams led Minnesota with 17 points, while the hosts’ bench contributed 43 points compared to Nigeria’s 28.

 

Despite the defeat, D’Tigress showed encouraging signs with a youthful squad as part of preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin.

 

Nigeria, drawn in Group B alongside France, South Korea and Hungary, will face Indiana Fever in their final tour game on Saturday as the team continues to build cohesion against top-level opposition.