World number three-ranked side France defeated reigning African champions Nigeria 93–86 in a Group A clash at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne.
Playing before home fans at the Astroballe Arena, the hosts controlled the game from the opening tip and maintained their advantage throughout the contest to secure the hard-fought victory.
France established early dominance and kept Nigeria at bay despite a spirited fightback from the African champions in the third quarter.
Nigeria, ranked eighth in the world, cut the deficit significantly midway through the game but could not overturn France’s early lead as the hosts produced a composed final period to close out the win.
France forward Janelle Salaun delivered a standout performance, leading her side with 19 points and five rebounds while shooting six-of-nine from the field and four-of-seven from three-point range in nearly 30 minutes.
Teammate Valeriane Ayayi contributed 12 points and six rebounds, finishing with a team-best plus-12 rating while making crucial defensive and offensive plays.
For Nigeria, Elizabeth Balogun led the charge with 15 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in nearly 35 minutes on the court, providing energy during the team’s strongest comeback attempt.
France seized control late in the second quarter with a decisive 9–0 run that extended their lead from 45–35 to 54–35, creating a comfortable cushion heading into halftime.
Nigeria responded with determination, launching a 12–0 run that stretched from the closing moments of the second quarter into the early stages of the third, reducing the deficit from 57–38 to 57–50, with Balogun accounting for five of the points.
Despite the rally, France remained composed and prevented Nigeria from taking the lead at any stage of the encounter.
The hosts built their biggest advantage of 19 points twice during the second quarter, first at 54–35 and again at 57–38.
France led the game for 39 minutes and 42 seconds, while the contest was tied for only 18 seconds, highlighting the dominance of the home side.
In the closing minute, France sealed the win by outscoring Nigeria 4–0 in the final 55 seconds, converting two baskets, securing key rebounds, and committing no turnovers as Nigeria missed their final field-goal attempt and two free throws.
The result keeps France firmly in contention in Group A while Nigeria will look to bounce back in their next game in the qualifying tournament.
