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May 4, 2014
D’Tigress Defeat China 88–77 in Final Tour Game
May 6, 2014
Nigeria’s D’Tigress have turned their attention to Spain after ending their three-game exhibition series in China with an impressive 88–77 victory over the hosts.
The win provided a strong response after Nigeria lost the first two games of the series and gave the reigning African champions valuable momentum as preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup enter their next phase.
From China to Tenerife
D’Tigress will move into the third phase of their World Cup preparations in Tenerife, Spain, from August 15 to 24.
The team is scheduled to face Spain and Belgium during the Tenerife phase, giving head coach Rena Wakama another opportunity to test her squad against two strong European opponents.
The Spanish leg comes at an important point in Nigeria’s preparation. After testing themselves against China, the team will now face a different style of basketball and another opportunity to improve its tactical and defensive execution.
Confidence Boost After China Win
The 88–77 victory was exactly the kind of response D’Tigress needed.
China had won the opening two games of the series, beating Nigeria 70–67 and 69–65. Rather than allow those defeats to affect their confidence, Nigeria produced a dominant performance in the final meeting.
D’Tigress raced to a 32–17 first-quarter lead and extended the advantage to 58–29 by halftime. Although China fought back after the break, Nigeria had created enough separation to secure the victory.
The result also showed the team’s ability to make adjustments during a demanding preparation schedule.
Spain and Belgium Provide Another Test
The games in Tenerife will offer Nigeria a different challenge.
Spain will provide a particularly important test as the hosts prepare alongside one of Europe’s leading basketball nations. Belgium will also give Wakama’s team another opportunity to assess its readiness against high-level international opposition.
These matches are about more than the final scores. They allow the coaching staff to experiment with line-ups, strengthen defensive systems, improve offensive combinations and identify areas that need attention before the World Cup.
Zaragoza Comes Next
D’Tigress will not stop in Tenerife.
After the Spain phase, Nigeria is scheduled to move to Zaragoza from August 25 to September 3 for the fourth and final stage of its preparation programme.
The team is expected to play final tune-up games against Mali and Puerto Rico before travelling to Berlin for the World Cup.
That schedule gives Nigeria almost no time to relax. Every game will serve as another opportunity to sharpen the squad before the tournament begins.
The Road to Berlin
The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup will take place in Berlin, Germany, from September 4 to 13.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group B alongside the Republic of Korea, Hungary and France. The Super Falcons of basketball will begin their campaign against Korea Republic on September 4 before facing Hungary and France.
For a team aiming to make another deep run on the international stage, the preparation period will be crucial.
The victory over China has given D’Tigress a positive platform. Now, Spain offers another opportunity to build on it.
From Foshan to Tenerife, D’Tigress are moving closer to Berlin — and the real test is getting closer.
