D’Tigress Collapse After Break as Spain Cruise to 83-58 Victory

Posted : 23 August 2026

Nigeria’s D’Tigress suffered a heavy 83-58 defeat to Spain in a World Cup warm-up match in Tenerife on Friday. The reigning African champions produced an impressive first-half display before Spain took complete control after the interval.

Nigeria started strongly and led 20-14 after the first quarter. Victoria Macaulay was central to the early success, while Promise Amukamara also helped the Nigerian side maintain its attacking pressure against the hosts.

D’Tigress continued to compete well in the second quarter and took a 40-36 lead into half-time. Macaulay finished the opening half in double figures as Nigeria's physical approach and efficient shooting gave Spain significant problems.

The game changed dramatically after the break. Spain improved its defence and began finding more space from outside, while Nigeria struggled to maintain the intensity that had kept them ahead during the opening 20 minutes.

Spain outscored Nigeria 27-9 in the third quarter. Mariona Ortiz put the hosts in front with a three-pointer during a decisive scoring run, while Iyana Martín and Andrea Vilaró also helped Spain build a commanding advantage.

The Spanish shooting became particularly damaging in the second half. Spain finished the game with 15 three-pointers from 27 attempts, while its improved ball movement, rebounding and defensive pressure helped turn a four-point half-time deficit into a 63-49 lead after three quarters.

Spain continued to dominate in the final quarter and stretched the margin to as many as 25 points before securing the 83-58 victory. Helena Pueyo scored 11 points, while Mariona Ortiz added 10 and Andrea Vilaró contributed 12 for the Spanish side.

Macaulay was Nigeria’s leading scorer with 18 points. Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah and Promise Amukamara also contributed, but D’Tigress could not produce enough offence after half-time to remain competitive.

The match was part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, which runs from September 4 to 13. D’Tigress had previously ended their China tour with an encouraging 88-77 victory after losing the first two games of that series.

Nigeria’s Tenerife programme continues with Belgium, giving Rena Wakama’s team another opportunity to test its preparations against European opposition before the World Cup. Belgium’s official schedule confirms the meeting with Nigeria on August 22 in Tenerife.

D’Tigress Collapse After Break as Spain Cruise to 83-58 Victory

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