The Nigerian female national basketball team, known as D'Tigress, experienced a 93-86 defeat against the hosts, France, in their Group A match at the ongoing FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers held at Astroballe in Lyon.
France maintained their lead from the onset and never looked back, even as Nigeria managed to win the third quarter by a margin of six points, making a notable comeback in the fourth quarter which ultimately fell short in the final moments.
Leading the Nigerian side was Amy Okonkwo, who scored 16 points, followed closely by Elizabeth Balogun and Murjanatu Musa, each contributing 15 points. Ezinne Kalu added 14 points as D’Tigress fought hard in the second half but couldn't convert it into a victory.
From the start, France seized control of the game, establishing a 6-0 lead before extending it with another run that put them ahead 12-6. A late rally by D’Tigress saw them reduce the first-quarter deficit to eight points, ending the period at 29-21.
The second quarter mirrored the first, as France surged to an 8-0 lead, which they gradually increased to an 11-point advantage. However, a late response from Nigeria, spearheaded by Okonkwo and Balogun, resulted in a 7-0 run that shrank the gap to four points, but France concluded the half with a 12-point lead at 57-45.
Rena Wakama’s squad began the third quarter with intense energy, quickly scoring 5-0 and later achieving an 8-0 run midway through. Ultimately, they emerged victorious in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter was highly competitive, with both teams trading baskets, but France ultimately secured the win.
This marks France's second consecutive triumph over Nigeria in the qualifiers, while the Nigerian team suffers their second loss. The hosts remain undefeated, and D'Tigress will next face Germany in their final group match on Tuesday, March 17.
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