Nigeria erases 10-point halftime deficit to dominate final quarter.
Nigeria’s women’s basketball team pulled off a stunning second-half turnaround to beat the Philippines 101–84 in their Group A FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Villeurbanne, France on Saturday.
Trailing by 10 at halftime and behind for more than 22 minutes, the D’Tigers Women staged a fiery comeback in the third quarter. A key jumper by Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah tied the game at 67–67, supported by guards Ifunanya Okoro and Elizabeth Balogun, who combined for nine points in the run.
Center Victoria Macaulay led the charge with 16 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, while Murjanatu Musa added 10 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. Nicole Enabosi chipped in a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Nigeria’s decisive surge came in the fourth quarter with a 9–0 run, turning a narrow 81–80 lead into a commanding 90–80 advantage. Balogun was perfect from the floor during the run, and Nigeria’s defence stifled the Philippines’ scoring options.
Janine Pontejos led the Philippines with 16 points, keeping her team in contention with timely three-pointers, but Nigeria’s inside game and balanced scoring proved too strong.
The victory showcased Nigeria’s depth, resilience, and clutch performance, with the most effective lineup—Kalu, Amukamara, Macaulay, Balogun, and Musa—posting a plus-12 in nearly 16 minutes together.
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