African champions Nigeria’s D’Tigress suffered an 83-58 defeat to Spain in their latest exhibition game in Tenerife on Friday, www.aclsports.com reports.
D’Tigress made a strong start at the Pabellón de Deportes Santiago Martín in their first game since the China exhibition series, taking a 20-14 lead at the end of the opening quarter before maintaining their advantage into half-time. The hosts won the second quarter 22-20, leaving Nigeria 40-36 ahead at the break.
Spain came out after half-time with greater intensity and took control of the contest in the third quarter, outscoring Nigeria 27-9 to turn the game around and establish a 63-49 lead. They maintained their momentum in the final quarter, scoring 20 points while holding D’Tigress to nine to complete the 83-58 victory.
Victoria Macaulay led Nigeria’s scoring with 18 points, while D’Tigress will now turn their attention to Belgium as their preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup continue.
Rena Wakama’s side will then travel to Zaragoza for further exhibition games against Mali and Puerto Rico between August 25 and September 3, before the World Cup tips off in Berlin, Germany, on September 4.
