By VICTOR OKOYE

Nigeria overturned a double-digit halftime deficit to defeat the Philippines 101–84 in a Group A game of the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne, France on Saturday.

The Philippines led for more than 22 minutes and built a 10-point cushion in the first half. Nigeria responded strongly after the break, eventually pulling away in the final quarter.

Midway into the third quarter, Nigeria wiped out a five-point deficit with a 17–12 run. A turnaround jumper by Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah tied the score at 67–67.

Guards Ifunanya Okoro and Elizabeth Balogun scored nine points in the run. Promise Amukamara also grabbed four rebounds and added two points to steady the team.

Three-pointers from Janine Pontejos and Louna Ozar briefly kept the Philippines competitive. However, Nigeria’s inside scoring helped them take a 70–67 lead into the fourth quarter.

Center Victoria Macaulay powered Nigeria’s comeback with 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks in just over 21 minutes of play.

Murjanatu Musa contributed 10 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, while Nicole Enabosi recorded 15 points and 12 rebounds after an early scoring burst.

For the Philippines, Janine Pontejos led with 16 points, including an eight-point surge late in the second quarter to keep her side in contention.

Nigeria’s decisive moment came with a 9–0 run in the final quarter, stretching an 81–80 lead to 90–80 and effectively sealing the contest.

Balogun scored five points during the run with perfect shooting, while Nigeria’s defence limited the Philippines’ scoring options late in the game.

The Philippines earlier enjoyed a 7–0 run late in the first quarter, turning a 21–19 deficit into a 26–21 lead with Kacey Dela Rosa scoring five points.

The match featured ’2 lead changes from early in the first quarter until midway in the third, when Nigeria seized the lead permanently.

Nigeria’s biggest lead reached 17 points in the closing seconds at 101–84. The Philippines’ largest advantage was 10 points in the second quarter.

Nigeria led for 15 minutes and eight seconds overall, while the Philippines held the advantage for 22 minutes and one second. The score was tied for two minutes and 51 seconds.

Nigeria’s most effective lineup of Ezinne Kalu, Amukamara, Macaulay, Balogun and Musa played nearly 16 minutes together and posted a plus-12 performance.

The victory highlighted Nigeria’s resilience and depth, as strong rebounding and balanced scoring helped secure a convincing second-half comeback in the tournament. (NAN)

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