In their FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament match in Villeurbanne on Sunday, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, the D’Tigress, lost to France 93-86 after a fierce battle.
After fending off a late Nigerian onslaught that threatened to completely change the course of the match, the hosts prolonged their winning streak in the competition.
The tone was established early by France, which is currently ranked third in the world. After the first ten minutes, the home team had a 27-15 lead because to their incredibly accurate shots in the first quarter and their punishment of Nigeria at halftime.
Nigeria had trouble making baskets at first, converting just 44% of their two-point efforts, while France immediately established a rhythm and scored an astounding 80% of their shots in the first few minutes.
Despite a stop-start rhythm brought on several fouls, the D’Tigress steadied themselves in the second quarter. Nigeria started to fight back as veteran guard Ezinne Kalu triggered the reaction with an eight-point scoring spree.
But from a distance, France continued to be deadly. As the hosts pounded Nigeria’s defense from beyond the arc, Janelle Salaun and Gabby Williams worked well together from the perimeter.
France led 57-45 at the half after making nine of their first thirteen three-point shots, a remarkable 69% conversion rate.
After a swift 5-0 run in the third quarter, Nigeria came out stronger and cut the score to 57-50, forcing France coach Jean-Aime Toupane to call a timeout.
After Nigeria’s Elizabeth Balogun missed a three-pointer, Marine Johannes of France answered, temporarily reversing the trend.
The D’Tigress would not go away. They reduced the deficit to just two points at 76-74 early in the last quarter, sparking optimism for a comeback.
France swiftly regained their composure. Romane Bernies made a basket after Pauline Astier intercepted a pass, giving them a five-point lead again.
The game then turned into a heated back-and-forth exchange. Nigeria persisted but was unable to tie the score as France maintained their lead and won 93-86.
After winning the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket championship, Nigeria had already qualified for the 2026 Women’s World Cup. As a result, the competition primarily prepares participants for the world championship.
After four games at Villeurbanne, the D’Tigress now have two wins and two losses.
On Tuesday, they will play Germany to round off their campaign, while France will play South Korea in a match that will decide the group’s overall rankings.
