Germany edge D’Tigress 81-73 in World Cup qualifier

Germany women's national basketball team defeated Nigeria women's national basketball team 81–73 to end Nigeria’s campaign at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne, France.

Germany controlled the contest from start to finish, leading in every quarter and maintaining dominance for most of the game. They eventually pulled away in the fourth quarter, stretching their lead to 10 points 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, inspired by Elizabeth Balogun, who scored five points during that stretch. However, Germany responded with a similar run spanning the second and third quarters to regain momentum.

The turning point came late in the third quarter when Nigeria briefly led 49–46, but Leonie Fiebich sparked Germany’s comeback with a lay-up before teaming up with Nyara Sabally to drive a decisive scoring run. From that point, Germany stayed in front and never looked back.

Balogun led Nigeria with 15 points, adding three rebounds and an assist, while Germany’s efficiency in the closing stages proved crucial, particularly as Nigeria struggled to convert late scoring opportunities.

The result leaves Nigeria with a two-win, three-loss record in the qualifiers, having defeated Colombia and the Philippines but lost to South Korea, France, and Germany.

Despite the defeat, D’Tigress have already secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin after winning the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket. The team will now shift focus to preparations for the tournament, including a historic exhibition game against WNBA side Minnesota Lynx in April.

#UTVAfrica#