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Nigeria’s D’Tigress ended their disappointing campaign at the 2026 FIBA women’s basketball World Cup with a humiliating 111-56 defeat to France in Group B on Monday.
It was D’Tigresses third consecutive group stage defeat following loses to South Korea and Hungary.
It was a one-sided affair as D’Tigress scored just 13 points in each of the first three quarters (finishing 13-13-13-17), while France led 31-34-30-16.
France had already sealed top spot and secured qualification to the last eight thanks to wins against Hungary and South Korea.
Also Read: NSC Salutes Junior D’Tigress On FIBA U-19 World Cup Qualification
The French set remarkable records in the dominant win against Nigeria, including a World Cup-record 22 three-pointers made in a single game and a team-high 65 points in a half in official competition (leading 65-26 at halftime).
Gabby Williams led France with 25 points (a personal high in a France jersey); other contributors included Janelle Salaün (19) and Marine Johannes (17). Nigeria’s top scorer was Grace Efosa-Aguebor with 15 points.
The margin reflects a significant gap in level at this tournament between France – who are the silver medalists) and the African champions, who struggled offensively throughout the group stage. France now prepare for the quarterfinals.
By James Agberebi
2 Comments
A very very disappointing competition for the D’ Tigress. The girls were woeful, truly woeful. I couldn’t finish watching any of their matches. It was that bad.
I’m really racking my head on who to blame. Is it that the girls are aging and have become complacent or coach Wakama is distracted with her other coaching job in the WNBA or the NBBF is not just up to scratch this time around? I think the coach is distracted, because she was not with them in most of the camping leading to the FIBA World Cup. Some of the players, too, strolled into camp eg Amy Okonkwo and Elizabeth Balogun, and I don’t know why the NBBF allowed it
The team was disjointed and it showed in their performances. Something needs to be done to inject fresh ideas into the team.
My exact thoughts too.
The team looked jaded from the first jump ball on Friday.
They always looked out of sorts, physically, mentally, technically and tactically. Second to rebounds, unforced errors and lacking in ideas once in their opponents side of the court.
Between the federation, the coach and the players, something is definitely off. They need to have a family meeting after this tournament and iron out whatever issues they’ve got amongst themselves