France survive late D’Tigress rally in 93-86 win
Nigeria's women's basketball team faced a close defeat against France, ending with a score of 93-86 in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament.
In the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament held in Villeurbanne, Nigeria's women’s basketball team, known as D’Tigress, put up a strong fight against the French team but ultimately lost 93-86. The match showcased the competitive spirit of the African champions, who were unable to fully recover from an early deficit despite rallying in the second half. France, ranked third in the world, leveraged their strong shooting performance and defensive rebounds to establish an early lead.
The game started with France dominating the first quarter, exhibiting remarkable shooting accuracy that allowed them to build a significant 27-15 advantage. Nigeria struggled initially with their shooting, particularly from two-point range, posting a conversion rate significantly lower than that of their opponents. However, in the second quarter, D’Tigress found their rhythm and began to close the gap, creating a more competitive atmosphere in the latter stages of the match.
As the game progressed, Nigeria's D’Tigress demonstrated resilience, showcasing their impressive teamwork and tactical execution. The third quarter saw them fight back valiantly, reducing the deficit to just two points at one stage. However, despite their late-game efforts and a spirited comeback, they could not clinch a victory, allowing France to maintain its unbeaten run in the tournament. This match reflects the high level of competition in international women’s basketball and the growing prominence of African teams in the sport.