African champions, Nigeria’s D’Tigress, endured a tough outing in their final WNBA pre-season friendly, losing 105–57 to Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
D’Tigress struggled to cope with Indiana’s pace and offensive movement, with turnovers and transition defence proving costly throughout the contest.
With Promise Amukamara, Ezinne Kalu, Victoria Macaulay, Nicole Enabosi, and Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah on the floor, Nigeria were immediately thrown into a high-intensity contest. Indiana dictated the early rhythm and gradually took control, building a strong lead by half-time after dominant first and second quarters.
After the break, D’Tigress produced their most competitive spell. Shay Ijiwoye provided energy off the bench, while Victoria Macaulay and Vera Ojenuwa contributed defensively and on the boards. Blessing Ejiofor and Suzie Rafiu also added points inside the paint to keep Nigeria competitive in spells.
However, turnovers and shooting inefficiency continued to hurt the visitors, who finished with 24 turnovers, shot 30% from the field, and went 0-for-12 from three-point range.
Indiana remained in control, winning the third quarter 15–12 and the fourth 20–16 to complete a comprehensive victory.
The Fever were led by a strong offensive trio. Kelsey Mitchell top-scored with 17 points, along with 2 rebounds and 2 assists, while Damiris Dantas added 16 points, including four three-pointers. Caitlin Clark contributed 12 points and 4 assists in limited minutes, while Makayla Timpson impressed with 12 points on perfect shooting (5-of-5).
Indiana finished with 53.7% shooting from the field, 45.2% from three-point range, and 26 assists, underlining their offensive efficiency.
For D’Tigress, Shay Ijiwoye led the scoring with 10 points, while Ezinne Kalu, Blessing Ejiofor and Vera Ojenuwa each added 8 points. Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah and Suzie Rafiu chipped in 6 points apiece, with Rafiu also contributing defensively with three steals.
Victoria Macaulay added 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist in an all-round effort, while Nicole Enabosi posted 3 points and 5 rebounds.
It ends a demanding stretch against top WNBA opposition, following earlier defeats to the Los Angeles Sparks and Minnesota Lynx.
Overall, D’Tigress were outmatched by one of the league’s strongest sides, but the experience provides a useful benchmark as they continue preparations for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin.
Final score breakdown
Q1: Nigeria 18–32 Indiana
Q2: Nigeria 11–38 Indiana
Q3: Nigeria 12–15 Indiana
Q4: Nigeria 16–20 Indiana
