FIBA World Cup: France Expose D’Tigresses’ Rebuilding Phase in Record Defeat

Posted : 09 September 2026

France underlined their status as one of the leading contenders for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup with a record-breaking 111-56 demolition of African champions Nigeria in their final Group B game in Berlin, Germany.

The defeat brought Nigeria’s disappointing campaign to an end, with the D’Tigresses failing to record a victory in their three group matches.

While the margin of defeat was severe, the result also exposed the challenges facing a Nigerian side that has undergone significant changes since its impressive quarter-final appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

France set the tone from the opening quarter, racing to a 31-12 lead before producing another devastating offensive display in the second period.

The Europeans added 34 points in the second quarter to establish a 65-26 advantage at halftime, leaving Nigeria with a mountain to climb after just 20 minutes.

France maintained their dominance after the restart, scoring 30 points in the third quarter before reducing the intensity in the final period.

Their performance was highlighted by an extraordinary shooting display as they converted a World Cup-record 22 three-pointers.

The previous French record was 15 three-pointers against Hungary earlier in the competition, while Japan had held the overall tournament record of 20.

Gabby Williams and Marine Johannes were particularly influential from beyond the arc, combining for eight three-pointers from 11 attempts in the first half.

Williams also made history by becoming the first French player to sink six three-pointers in a Women’s World Cup match.

France’s 65 points in the opening half represented another landmark, becoming their highest first-half tally in the history of the competition.

For Nigeria, the loss was another indication of the gap the D’Tigresses must bridge as they build towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Captain Amy Okonkwo admitted that Nigeria struggled to settle into the contest against a French side that maintained relentless pressure from the opening tip.

“It was a tough game. France is a great team. We saw that at the 2024 Olympics, and we've seen it throughout the qualifiers,” Okonkwo said.

“They're a really great team, and they came out to play today. Again, I think we just struggled to find our rhythm early and weren't able to get the win or really stop them.”

Head Coach Rena Wakama also acknowledged that the current team cannot be measured solely against the squad that made history in Paris two years ago.

“A lot of people saw what we did in 2024, and the reality of where we are today is that we're in a rebuilding process,” Wakama said.

According to her, establishing greater cohesion within the team remains a major priority as Nigeria works towards the next Olympic cycle.

“I think connectivity is a big thing for myself, my team and my staff. Where we are today isn't where we were two years ago,” she said.

“We can't rely on the success we had two years ago. Who we are today, we're still figuring that out, and I know we will.”

Wakama attributed part of the wide margin to the level of experience and competitive sharpness of the French players, many of whom are regular starters in the WNBA.

“A lot of those players are in playoff shape. They play in the WNBA, and my players just weren't there yet to be able to compete at the level that they were competing at,” she explained.

Despite the heavy defeat, the coach found encouragement in the determination shown by Nigeria’s younger players.

“I’m most proud of our fight,” Wakama said, pointing out that five or six players in the squad were experiencing this level of international competition for the first time.

One of the brightest performers for Nigeria was Grace Efosa, who scored 15 points in about 20 minutes, earning praise from the coach for her contribution.

Wakama said the rebuilding process would require Nigeria to identify and develop its best available talent ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics.

“It starts, one, with just who we're getting in the uniforms, right? Just making sure that I'm continuing to put the best talent that Nigeria has to offer in these uniforms,” she said.

She also acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Basketball Federation but stressed that preparation must improve if the D’Tigresses are to return to the level they reached in Paris.

“We had great preparation, but I think there's another level that we have to get to in that preparation,” Wakama added.

Although the World Cup campaign ended without a win, Wakama remained optimistic about the future of Nigerian women’s basketball and the emergence of a new generation of players.

For the D’Tigresses, the immediate challenge is now to use the lessons from Germany to build a more competitive and cohesive side capable of challenging the world’s best when the next Olympic cycle reaches its climax.

FIBA World Cup: France Expose D’Tigresses’ Rebuilding Phase in Record Defeat

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