- D’Tigress Lose 93–86 To France In World Cup Qualifier
- Nigeria nearly stages comeback after trailing early.
- Team already qualified for 2026 Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, suffered a 93–86 defeat to hosts France on Sunday in their FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament clash in Villeurbanne.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that France extended their unbeaten run in the competition after holding off a late Nigerian comeback that nearly changed the outcome of the match.
The hosts, ranked third in the world, started strongly and dominated the opening quarter with impressive shooting accuracy. France punished Nigeria on fast breaks and raced to a 27–15 lead after the first 10 minutes.
Nigeria struggled early around the basket, converting only 44 per cent of their two point attempts, while France found their rhythm quickly and shot 80 per cent during the early exchanges.
D’Tigress began to recover in the second quarter despite several stoppages caused by fouls. Veteran guard Ezinne Kalu sparked Nigeria’s fightback with an impressive scoring burst, contributing eight points as the team reduced the deficit.
France, however, remained dangerous from long range. Janelle Salaun and Gabby Williams combined effectively from the perimeter to maintain their advantage.
By half time, France had converted nine of their first 13 three point attempts, recording a remarkable 69 per cent success rate and taking a 57–45 lead into the break.
Nigeria improved in the third quarter and cut the deficit to 57–50 after a quick 5–0 run, forcing France coach Jean Aime Toupane to call a timeout.
The hosts responded through Marine Johannes, who converted a three pointer after a missed attempt by Nigeria’s Elizabeth Balogun.
D’Tigress continued to push in the final quarter and reduced the gap to just two points at 76–74, raising hopes of a comeback.
France quickly regained control after Pauline Astier intercepted a pass that led to a basket from Romane Bernies, restoring a five point lead.
Nigeria continued to fight but could not level the score as France held on to secure a 93–86 victory.
Despite the defeat, Nigeria had already secured qualification for the 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup after winning the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket title.
The loss leaves D’Tigress with two wins and two defeats from four matches in Villeurbanne. Nigeria will conclude their campaign on Tuesday against Germany, while France will face South Korea to determine the final group standings.
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