Reigning champions Nigeria began their FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025 campaign in dominant fashion, defeating Rwanda 92–45 in their Group D opening match on Saturday, July 26.

The result extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 25 consecutive games, a streak that dates back to October 2015.

Rwanda, coached by Cheikh Sarr, struggled to match Nigeria’s intensity and experience throughout the game. Though Bella Murekatete briefly put Rwanda ahead 4–2 early in the first quarter, the D’Tigress quickly responded with a decisive 8-0 run and never looked back.

Elizabeth Balogun opened the scoring for Nigeria with a mid-range jumper, and she, alongside Murjanatu Musa and Victoria Macaulay, led the offensive charge. The trio combined for 43 points, while Nigeria’s bench also outscored Rwanda’s 37–13.

Rwanda’s hopes of a comeback were repeatedly dashed by turnovers, which Nigeria converted into 25 points. Despite some flashes of brilliance—including a notable block by Murekatete on former MVP Ezinne Kalu in the third quarter—Rwanda could not contain the defending champions.

Murekatete finished with seven points, while Destiney Philoxy and Keisha Hampton were the only Rwandan players to reach double figures, scoring 11 and 10 points respectively.

The result echoed the teams’ last encounter at the 2023 AfroBasket semifinals in Kigali, where Nigeria beat Rwanda 79–48 en route to claiming their fourth consecutive title.

Rwanda entered the tournament off a strong showing in the 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament at home, but Nigeria once again reaffirmed their status as the dominant force in African women’s basketball.