By: Margaret Oluwole

Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have been eliminated from the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup after suffering a heavy 111–56 defeat to France in their final group-stage game in Berlin, Germany.

The result condemned the African champions to a third consecutive defeat at the tournament, following earlier losses to South Korea and Hungary, leaving Nigeria at the bottom of their group and ending their campaign without a victory.

D’Tigress entered the World Cup with high expectations after an impressive run over the past year. The team had secured a fifth consecutive continental title and made history by reaching the Olympic quarter-finals for the first time, raising hopes of another strong performance on the global stage.

However, that form did not carry over into the World Cup, as Nigeria struggled to find consistency throughout the group stage.

Their difficulties were particularly evident against France, who took control of the game from the opening minutes.

France dominated the first quarter, racing into a 31–13 lead, before extending their advantage to 65–26 by halftime.

The European side continued to pile on the pressure after the break, outscoring Nigeria again in the third quarter to take a commanding 95–36 lead into the final period.

Although D’Tigress showed greater resistance in the fourth quarter, the deficit was already insurmountable. France eventually completed a 55-point victory, handing Nigeria one of their heaviest defeats on the international stage.

The result brings an abrupt end to what had otherwise been a period of significant progress for D’Tigress.