D’Tigress Crash Out Of Women’s World Cup After Heavy Defeat To France

D’Tigress crashed out of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup with a 111-56 defeat to France in their final group game in Berlin on Monday, finishing the tournament without a win.

France took control from the opening quarter, outscoring Nigeria 31-13, and led 65-26 at halftime. The gap stretched to 95-36 by the end of the third quarter before Nigeria managed its best spell of the game, scoring 17 points in the final period against France’s 16.

The defeat was Nigeria’s third of the group stage, following a 99-81 loss to South Korea in the opener and a narrow 71-68 defeat to Hungary. Premium Times reported that Efosa-Aguebo led Nigeria with 15 points off the bench, Balogun added 11, and Igbokwe topped the rebounds with nine. France set a tournament record with 22 three-pointers in the game, the most in a single Women’s World Cup match since 1994.

Channels Television noted the result was a heavy setback for a side that won a fifth consecutive continental title and reached the Olympic quarter-finals for the first time in its history, form that failed to carry onto the global stage in Berlin. It was Nigeria’s third appearance at the tournament, and the three straight defeats mark the country’s worst run at the competition.

The campaign ends with questions about the team’s rebuild, with several experienced players expected to be nearing the end of their international careers ahead of future competitions.

Sources: Daily Post, Channels TV, Premium Times