By Maxwell Kumoye and Trust Ittai 7.9.2026
Nigeria’ D’Tigress campaign at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany came to a crushing end following their 111-56 points loss to France.
France topped group B with a 100 percent record while Nigeria remained the weeping girls of group having lost to South Korea and Hungary previously.
Nigeria struggled from the opening tip as the French side imposed its quality and tempo on the contest, leaving the D’Tigresses unable to establish any rhythm in what turned into a one-sided encounter at the Berlin Arena.
The defeat capped a difficult group-stage campaign for the African champions, who entered the tournament with high expectations following their historic run at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
D’Tigresses captain Amy Okonkwo admitted that France’s quality exposed Nigeria’s inability to settle into the game.
“It was a tough game. France is a great team. We saw that at the 2024 Olympics, and we’ve seen it throughout the qualifiers,” Okonkwo said.
Head coach Rena Wakama acknowledged that the current D’Tigresses are undergoing a rebuilding process and cannot rely on the achievements of the 2024 Olympic team.
“A lot of people saw what we did in 2024, and the reality of where we are today is that we’re in a rebuilding process,” Wakama said.
“I think connectivity is a big thing for myself, my team and my staff. Where we are today isn’t where we were two years ago.
“We can’t rely on the success we had two years ago. Who we are today, we’re still figuring that out, and I know we will.”
Looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Wakama said rebuilding Nigeria’s team must begin with identifying and selecting the country’s best available talent.
“It starts, one, with just who we’re getting in the uniforms, right? Just making sure that I’m continuing to put the best talent that Nigeria has to offer in these uniforms,” she said.