African champions, D’Tigress of Nigeria, yesterday, sent a marker to teams playing in the Lyon, France’s zone of the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament with a 70-37 rout of Colombia in their opening game.

Playing at Lyon’s Astroballe Arena, the Nigerian girls, who had already qualified for the World Cup, overcame the pressure of a closely contested first half to finish with a 33-point winning margin.

With Amy Okonkwo, Elizabeth Balogun, Promise Amukamara, Murjanatu Musa and Ezinne Kalu in their element, the D’Tigress began the march to victory with Amukamara converting a free throw before adding a lay-up to give the D’Tigress an early lead.

Colombia responded through Mabel Martinez, whose three-pointer produced her side’s first basket of the game.

Nigeria edged the opening quarter 18–12, but Colombia, ranked 19th, stayed competitive in the second period, narrowing the gap before half-time as D’Tigress took a 34–29 lead into the break.

The Rena Wakama lasses took full control after half-time with a dominant defensive display in the third quarter, limiting Colombia to just five points while extending their lead to 53–34 heading into the final quarter.

Nigeria maintained their intensity in the fourth quarter, restricting Colombia to only three points while adding 17 of their own to seal a convincing 70–37 victory.