France women’s national basketball team secured a 93–86 victory over Nigeria women’s national basketball team in a Group A clash at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne.
The hosts dominated from the opening minutes at the Astroballe Arena on Sunday, taking an early lead and maintaining their advantage throughout the competitive encounter.
France, currently ranked third in the world, controlled most phases of the game, while Nigeria—ranked eighth globally—mounted a strong third-quarter comeback attempt to reduce the deficit. However, the French side responded with composure in the final quarter to maintain their lead and secure the win.
Janelle Salaun led France with 19 points and five rebounds, shooting six-of-nine from the field and four-of-seven from beyond the arc in nearly 30 minutes of action.
Valeriane Ayayi added 12 points and six rebounds, finishing with a team-best plus-12 rating while contributing significantly on both ends of the court.
For Nigeria, Elizabeth Balogun delivered a strong performance with 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists in nearly 35 minutes, helping to spark the team’s best rally of the game.
France established a firm grip on the contest with a 9–0 run late in the second quarter, stretching the lead from 45–35 to 54–35.
Nigeria responded with a 12–0 run that spanned the closing moments of the second quarter and the start of the third, reducing the deficit from 57–38 to 57–50, with Balogun contributing five points during that stretch.
The French side built the game’s largest lead of 19 points twice in the second quarter, first at 54–35 and again at 57–38.
Despite Nigeria’s spirited effort, they never took the lead in the contest and eventually fell by seven points as France finished strongly.
Statistics showed France led for 39 minutes and 42 seconds of the game, while the scores were tied for only 18 seconds, highlighting the hosts’ dominance from start to finish.
In the final 55 seconds, France outscored Nigeria 4–0, converting two baskets, securing rebounds and committing no turnovers, while Nigeria missed their lone field-goal attempt and two free throws as the hosts sealed the victory.
