AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s D’Tigress suffered a heavy 83-58 defeat to Spain in an international friendly on Friday, August 21, as both teams continued preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
The game, played at the Santiago Martín Arena in Tenerife, saw Nigeria dominate large portions of the opening half before Spain produced a remarkable turnaround after the break.
D’Tigress started brightly, with Promise Amukamara setting the pace at point guard while Victoria Macaulay caused problems inside. Nigeria led 20-14 at the end of the first quarter and maintained its advantage to take a 40-36 lead into half-time.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second half.
Spain increased its defensive pressure, forced Nigeria into costly turnovers and found its rhythm from beyond the three-point line. The hosts pulled away in the third and fourth quarters, eventually securing a convincing 25-point victory.
Spain made 15 three-pointers over the course of the game, underlining the shooting threat that proved decisive after the interval.
Iyana Martín led Spain with 12 points, while Helena Pueyo and Mariona Ortiz added 11 and 10 points respectively. Macaulay was Nigeria’s standout performer, finishing with 18 points.
The friendly was part of both nations’ preparations for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, which will take place in Berlin, Germany, from September 4 to 13.
For Nigeria, the game came during a training camp in Tenerife that will also feature a friendly against Belgium. D’Tigress had previously completed a three-game series in China, winning the final meeting 88-77.
Assistant coach Wani Muganguzi was in charge of the Nigerian team against Spain, with head coach Rena Wakama absent from the bench.
Nigeria, the reigning five-time consecutive AfroBasket champions, will face France, South Korea and Hungary in Group B at the World Cup.
The defeat provides D’Tigress with an important test ahead of the tournament, particularly in maintaining intensity throughout games, limiting turnovers and defending against teams capable of consistently scoring from long range.
Nigeria will continue its preparations with further friendlies in Spain before travelling to Berlin for the World Cup.
