Afrobasket 2025: Kalu Admits D’Tigress Must Step Up After Slow Start Against Mozambique

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D’Tigress guard Ezinne Kalu has admitted that Nigeria’s sluggish start nearly cost them in their hard-fought 60-55 comeback victory over Mozambique in their second group game at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket.

Speaking after the match, Kalu acknowledged the team’s poor performance in the opening stages.

“We started out really slow. We didn’t play Nigerian basketball. We gave up too many open shots,” she said, reflecting on a first quarter that saw Mozambique take control.

She commended the Mozambican team for their intensity and execution, adding:

“Mozambique is a great team. You can’t sleep on them. We allowed them to drive too much and they grabbed about eight offensive rebounds. We just didn’t come out playing our game.”

According to Kalu, a halftime pep talk from the coaching staff was crucial in sparking the turnaround.

“In the second half, the coach said, ‘Listen, it’s time to turn it up. It’s time to play Nigerian basketball. Third quarter is a new game.’ We just came out with a little more energy.”

Reflecting on the team’s mentality, Kalu emphasized the need for consistency and hunger despite their status as reigning champions.

“We know we’re a great team, but sometimes we get in our own heads and get a little lazy. Nobody wants to keep seeing Nigeria at the top, so we’ve got to keep reminding ourselves who we are.”

While the win keeps Nigeria on track in their title defense, Kalu stressed that improvements are still needed going forward.

“Right now, we’re still not fully playing Nigerian basketball, but I know we can do more. We’ll recover, watch film, correct our mistakes in practice, and take it one game at a time because everyone is pushing.”

D’Tigress, chasing a record-extending fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, will look to build on the win as the tournament progresses.

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