Nigeria finish with a 2–3 record as Germany dominate key stretches to seal win in Villeurbanne

Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, saw their campaign at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament end in defeat after a 73–81 loss to Germany.

The German side delivered a composed and disciplined performance in Villeurbanne, France, leading at the end of every quarter and controlling the contest for more than 33 minutes.

Germany gradually pulled away in the final period, building their largest lead of 10 points in the fourth quarter before sealing an eight-point victory.

Nigeria showed resilience in the second quarter, overturning a six-point deficit with a 10–0 run to take a 31–27 lead. Elizabeth Balogun inspired that surge, contributing five points during the stretch.

However, Germany quickly responded with a dominant run of their own, scoring 10 unanswered points spanning the second and third quarters to regain momentum.

Although Nigeria briefly held a narrow 49–46 lead in the third quarter, Germany responded through Leonie Fiebich, whose driving lay-up sparked a decisive turnaround. Supported by Nyara Sabally, the Germans strung together three consecutive field goals while limiting Nigeria’s scoring opportunities.

From that point, Germany maintained control and did not relinquish the lead again.

Balogun led Nigeria with 15 points, shooting three of five from beyond the arc, while adding three rebounds and one assist in just under 31 minutes.

D’Tigress conclude the qualifying tournament with a 2–3 record, having secured victories against Colombia and the Philippines, while suffering defeats to South Korea, France, and Germany.