D’Tigress end World Cup campaign winless after France defeat

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By Adegboyega Adeleye

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Nigeria’s D’Tigress ended their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign without a win after suffering a 111-56 defeat to France in their final Group B game in Berlin on Monday.

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The defeat was D’Tigress’ third in the group stage, following earlier losses to South Korea and Hungary, leaving Nigeria at the bottom of the group and out of the competition.

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France dominated from the opening quarter, taking a 31-13 lead before extending their advantage to 65-26 at halftime.

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The French side maintained control after the break, adding 30 points in the third quarter to move 95-36 ahead before Nigeria improved slightly in the final period, winning the last quarter.

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D’Tigress scored 17 points in the fourth quarter, but France added 16 to complete the 55-point victory.

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Efosa-Aguebo led Nigeria with 15 points off the bench, while Balogun added 11. Igbokwe grabbed nine rebounds, while Amy Okonkwo finished with eight rebounds and a team-high three assists.

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France also produced a remarkable shooting display, making 22 three-pointers in the game.

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D’Tigress had earlier lost their opening Group B game 99-81 to South Korea before suffering a narrow 71-67 defeat to Hungary.

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The Rena Wakama-led side came into the tournament as reigning African champions after securing a fifth consecutive continental title and had also reached the quarter-finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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However, their World Cup campaign ended with three defeats from three games, with Monday’s loss to France bringing their tournament to a close.

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