D’Tigress Minnesota Lynx USA tour defeat ends in 88-79 loss as Nigeria show improved form ahead of FIBA World Cup preparations

Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, suffered a narrow 88-79 defeat to the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday, marking their second consecutive loss on their United States tour but offering signs of improved performance.

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The closely contested encounter, played at the T-Mobile Centre in Kansas City, saw the Nigerian side deliver a far more competitive display compared to their opening 89-63 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks.

D’Tigress were once again led from the sidelines by assistant coach Wani Muganguzi, as head coach Rena Wakama remains on WNBA duty with the Chicago Sky.

The team showed greater cohesion and intensity across all four quarters, matching the WNBA side in several phases of play and remaining within touching distance for much of the game.

Nigeria started strongly with Promise Amukamara, Ezinne Kalu, Suzie Rafiu, Uche Izoje, and Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah setting an early tempo in a fast-paced opening quarter that ended 27-26 in favour of Minnesota.

The Lynx edged the second quarter 19-17 to lead 46-43 at halftime, before gradually pulling away in the third quarter with a 21-16 advantage. They then closed out the game 21-20 in the final period to secure a nine-point victory.

Ezinne Kalu delivered a standout performance for D’Tigress, top-scoring with 25 points, while Gabby White added 16 points and Kunaiyi-Akpanah contributed 11. Izoje also impressed with eight points in a balanced offensive effort.

Despite the defeat, Nigeria dominated key statistical areas, including rebounds (36-25) and steals (8-5), but struggled with shooting efficiency, converting 40 per cent of their attempts compared to Minnesota’s 50 per cent.

The Lynx also controlled playmaking with 23 assists to Nigeria’s 11, while bench depth proved decisive as Minnesota’s reserves contributed 43 points against Nigeria’s 28.

Courtney Williams led Minnesota with 17 points as the Lynx maintained composure in a game that featured six lead changes and five ties.

The result highlights both the growing competitiveness of D’Tigress and the challenges of facing elite WNBA opposition during a rebuilding phase.

The Nigerian squad features a 21-player roster dominated by talent from the United States collegiate system, with 15 players drawn from 14 NCAA programmes as part of long-term development planning.

Emerging names such as Gabby White, Stephanie Okechukwu, Shay Ijiwoye, Nora Ezike, Uche Izoje, and Danielle Osho are being integrated into the senior setup as part of preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin.

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D’Tigress will wrap up their three-game US tour against the Indiana Fever on Saturday, where the coaching staff is expected to further assess tactical combinations and team chemistry.