Nigeria’s D’Tigress suffered their second defeat of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament after losing 93–86 to hosts France in Lyon.
France started strongly at the Astroballe Arena, with Leila Lacan opening the scoring before extending the lead with a fadeaway jumper as the hosts raced into a 6–0 advantage. Ezinne Kalu eventually got Nigeria on the board with a driving layup.
The home side controlled the opening period, taking the first quarter 29–21. Although the teams traded points in a high-scoring second quarter that ended 28–28, France still carried a 57–45 lead into halftime.
Nigeria responded after the break with an impressive third-quarter display, outscoring France 21–15 to reduce the deficit and keep the contest alive heading into the final period.
However, France managed the closing stages effectively, edging the final quarter 21–20 to preserve their unbeaten record in the tournament.
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Amy Okonkwo led Nigeria with 16 points on her return to the lineup, while Elizabeth Balogun and Murjanatu Musa added 15 points each. Ezinne Kalu finished with 14 points, and Promise Amukamara and Victoria Macaulay both contributed 10.
Janelle Salaun led France with a game-high 19 points, while Lacan added 13, Valériane Ayayi scored 12, and Gabby Williams chipped in with 11.
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Nigeria will now face Germany in their final qualifying game on Tuesday as they aim to finish the tournament on a positive note.
