Nigeria, April 28 -- Progress is rarely linear, but in Kansas City, D'Tigress showed that their rebuild is beginning to bite.

African champions Nigeria were edged 88-79 by the Minnesota Lynx in a fiercely contested pre-season friendly at the T-Mobile Centre, a performance that offered far more encouragement than the scoreline suggests.

Coming off their opening test against the Los Angeles Sparks, this was a different Nigeria; more composed, more competitive, and increasingly aligned with the demands of elite opposition.

From tip-off, Nigeria showed intent.

The starting unit of Promise Amukamara, Ezinne Kalu, Suzie Rafiu, Uche Izoje, and Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah stepped straight into a high-tempo battle.

The Lynx edged the opening quart...