Nigeria easily defeated Rwanda 92-45 in the second game of the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on Saturday, continuing their winning streak.
Since October 2015, this is the 25th consecutive tournament victory for the Tigresses. With a mid-range hoop, Elizabeth Balogun made the first basket, but the Rwandan squad didn’t appear to be impressed.
At this stage of the game, they appeared prepared to defend themselves. But Rwanda never really made an effort to defend itself.
Nigeria triumphed by 47 points after playing a more disciplined game. Rwanda briefly had a 4-2 lead thanks to Bella Murekatete.
The score was then knotted at 4–4 after Ezinne Kalu made a midrange jump shot. The East African team never threatened again for the remainder of the match as the current champions used an 8-0 scoring.
During the third quarter, Mureketeta delivered a spectacular block on former MVP Ezzine Kanu, among other outstanding efforts. She ended with seven rebounds and seven points as well.
However, with a combined score of 43 points, Victoria Macaulay, Murjanatu Musa, and Elisabeth Balogun proved to be an invaluable trio.
Although Nigeria’s bench was vital in outscoring Rwanda’s 37–13, some of Rwanda’s persistent turnovers, which gave Nigeria 25 points, were the worst blow to Rwanda.
Keisha Hampton and Destiney Philoxy finished with 10 and 11 points, respectively, making them the only Rwandans to score in double figures.
In their previous meeting, which took place in the 2023 Women’s AfroBasket semifinals in Kigali, Nigeria defeated Rwanda, the host nation, 79–48.
Nigeria then defeated Senegal in the final to win their fourth consecutive continental championship.
After an outstanding 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament on their home court, the Rwandans were thriving as they made their comeback to the international scene, but Nigeria once again showed everyone who is the greatest in the continent.
Courtesy: FIBA
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