The Nigeria Women’s Basketball Team, D’Tigress, fell narrowly to Türkiye in a thrilling international friendly that ended 77–76 on Friday, November 14, 2025.
The contest, played at the Servet Tazegül Kapalı Spor Salonu in Yenişehir, Türkiye, delivered an evening of high-quality, end-to-end basketball that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
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Nigeria started brightly, combining tight defensive coordination with fluid offensive transitions. Their early momentum earned them a 15–14 lead at the end of the first quarter.
D’Tigress extended their advantage in the second quarter with a dominant 30–25 performance, heading into halftime with a 45–39 cushion. Their sharp ball rotation and efficient finishing around the rim highlighted an impressive opening half.
However, the tide turned after the break. Türkiye emerged for the third quarter with renewed intensity, tightening their defensive marks and increasing their shooting accuracy.
A decisive 22–12 third-quarter run swung the momentum firmly in favor of the hosts, who seized control heading into the final 10 minutes.
The fourth quarter produced a gripping showdown as Nigeria battled hard to reclaim the lead.
They outscored Türkiye 19–16 in the final stretch, but clutch composure from the hosts ensured they protected their slim edge.
Crucially, Türkiye’s superior free-throw conversion—76.5% against Nigeria’s 63.6%—proved pivotal in the closing moments.
D’Tigress exhausted all five of their time-outs as they sought to regain rhythm and slow Türkiye’s momentum, but the hosts’ discipline and resilience made the difference.
The match also carried a physical edge, with Türkiye committing 17 fouls and Nigeria 15, reflecting the intensity of the encounter.
With the 7,500-capacity Servet Tazegül Kapalı Spor Salonu buzzing throughout, both teams delivered a performance filled with grit, precision, and competitive fire.
The friendly served as a crucial preparatory test as Nigeria and Türkiye continue their build-up to upcoming international competitions.
