D’Tigress Crash Out of Women’s World Cup After France Rout Nigeria

Nigeria’s D’Tigress have been eliminated from the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after suffering a heavy 111-56 defeat to France in their final Group B fixture in Berlin on Monday.

The loss condemned the African champions to a winless campaign after earlier defeats against South Korea and Hungary, leaving them at the bottom of the group.

Nigeria’s exit was confirmed before the game after France defeated South Korea 95-69, securing a quarter-final spot and ending D’Tigress’ hopes of advancing.

France, however, showed little sympathy as they dominated from the opening minutes. They established a 31-13 advantage after the first quarter, with Nigeria struggling to match their opponents’ pace, precision and intensity.

The French side intensified its assault in the second period, adding 34 points while limiting Nigeria to another 13. France consequently entered halftime with a commanding 65-26 lead.

France maintained its dominance in the third quarter, adding 30 points to extend their lead to 95-39 before taking their foot off the gas in the final period. Nigeria managed 17 points in the fourth quarter, but the deficit was already insurmountable.

France’s victory was powered by an exceptional display from beyond the arc. They converted 22 three-pointers, setting a new FIBA Women’s World Cup record and surpassing their previous tournament best of 15, recorded against Hungary earlier in the competition.

The record surpassed Japan’s previous mark of 20 three-pointers, achieved on the tournament’s opening day.

France were particularly devastating during the opening half, sinking 14 attempts from long range. Gabby Williams and Marine Johannes combined for eight successful shots from 11 attempts, helping their team establish complete control.

Their 65-point first-half tally also became France’s highest-ever output during the opening 20 minutes of a Women’s World Cup match.

For Nigeria, the result brings a disappointing end to a tournament entered with considerable expectations. D’Tigress had built confidence from their historic quarter-final appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but struggled to reproduce that form in Berlin.

France, meanwhile, strengthened their status as serious title contenders with a performance that combined offensive efficiency, relentless tempo and record-breaking perimeter shooting.