The team ranked third in the world, France, achieved a 93–86 victory against the reigning African Champions, Nigeria, during a Group A match at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament held in Villeurbanne.
The home team maintained the lead from the beginning to the end at the Astroballe arena on Sunday, establishing early dominance and sustaining their advantage throughout the fiercely contested game.
Nigeria, currently positioned eighth in the world rankings, made a vigorous effort in the third quarter to reduce the gap, but France countered with a composed performance in the final period to maintain their lead and secure the win.
France exhibited control during the critical moments, preventing any changes in the lead and ensuring that Nigeria never took the lead at any point during the match.
Janelle Salaun was the standout player for France, scoring 19 points and grabbing five rebounds, with an impressive shooting record of six-of-nine from the field and four-of-seven from beyond the arc in nearly 30 minutes of play.
Valeriane Ayayi contributed 12 points and six rebounds, finishing with a team-high plus-12 rating and making significant contributions on both offense and defense.
Elizabeth Balogun led Nigeria with 15 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in almost 35 minutes, providing crucial momentum during the team’s most effective rally.
France executed a pivotal 9–0 run late in the second quarter, increasing their lead from 45–35 to 54–35, thereby establishing firm control of the match.
Nigeria responded with a 12–0 run that spanned the late second and early third quarters, narrowing the deficit from 57–38 to 57–50, with Balogun contributing five points during this stretch.
France achieved the largest lead of the game, which was 19 points, on two occasions in the second quarter, first at 54–35 and then again at 57–38.
Nigeria never held the lead in the match and ultimately lost by seven points as France finished strongly. France led for 39 minutes and 42 seconds of the game, highlighting their dominance from the very start.
Nigeria did not take the lead at any point, and the game was tied for only 18 seconds. In the final 55 seconds, France outscored Nigeria 4–0 to secure the victory.
FIBA World Cup qualifier: France edge D’Tigress 93–86
