France Beat D’Tigress 93–86 in FIBA World Cup Qualifier
World number three, France women’s national basketball team, defeated reigning African champions Nigeria women’s national basketball team, popularly known as D’Tigress, 93–86 in a Group A clash at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne.
The hosts dominated from start to finish at the Astroballe Arena on Sunday, taking early control and maintaining their lead throughout the closely contested encounter.
Despite trailing for most of the game, Nigeria, currently ranked eighth in the world, staged a strong third-quarter rally to reduce the deficit. However, France responded with a composed display in the final period to secure the win.
France ensured Nigeria never took the lead, managing the closing stages effectively to maintain their advantage.
Janelle Salaun led the French side with 19 points and five rebounds, shooting six-of-nine from the field and four-of-seven from three-point range in nearly 30 minutes of action.
Valeriane Ayayi added 12 points and six rebounds, finishing with a team-best plus-12 rating while contributing significantly at both ends of the court.
For Nigeria, Elizabeth Balogun delivered a strong performance with 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists in almost 35 minutes, sparking the team’s most notable comeback attempt.
France made a decisive 9–0 run late in the second quarter, stretching their lead from 45–35 to 54–35 to tighten their grip on the contest.
Nigeria responded with a 12–0 run spanning the end of the second quarter and the start of the third, cutting the deficit from 57–38 to 57–50, with Balogun contributing five points during the surge.
France built their biggest lead of the game at 19 points twice in the second quarter — first at 54–35 and again at 57–38.
Nigeria never managed to take the lead and eventually fell by seven points as France closed the game strongly.
The French side led for 39 minutes and 42 seconds of the match, highlighting their control from the opening tip-off, while the score was tied for only 18 seconds throughout the game.
In the final 55 seconds, France outscored Nigeria 4–0 to seal the victory, converting two baskets, securing key rebounds and committing no turnovers, while Nigeria missed a field goal attempt and two free throws.
