France women’s national basketball team secured a 93–86 victory over reigning African champions Nigeria women’s national basketball team in a Group A clash at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne, France.
The hosts led from start to finish at the Astroballe on Sunday, establishing early control and maintaining their advantage throughout the competitive encounter.
Nigeria, currently ranked eighth in the world, mounted a strong third-quarter push to cut the deficit, but France responded with a composed final period to preserve their lead and close out the game.
France maintained control during the decisive moments, preventing any lead change and ensuring Nigeria never went ahead throughout the contest.
Janelle Salaun led France with 19 points and five rebounds, shooting six-of-nine from the field and four-of-seven from three-point range in nearly 30 minutes.
Valeriane Ayayi added 12 points and six rebounds, finishing with a team-best plus-12 rating and making key contributions at both ends of the floor.
For Nigeria, Elizabeth Balogun delivered a standout performance with 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists in almost 35 minutes, providing momentum during the team’s strongest rally.
France produced a decisive 9–0 run late in the second quarter, extending their lead from 45–35 to 54–35 to gain firm control of the game.
Nigeria responded with a 12–0 run spanning late in the second quarter and early in the third, trimming the deficit from 57–38 to 57–50, with Balogun contributing five points during the surge.
France built the game’s largest lead of 19 points twice in the second quarter, first at 54–35 and again at 57–38.
Nigeria never led in the contest and eventually fell by seven points as France finished strongly.
France led for 39 minutes and 42 seconds of the game, highlighting their dominance from the opening tip-off, while the game was tied for only 18 seconds.
In the final 55 seconds, France outscored Nigeria 4–0 to seal the victory.
During that stretch, France converted two baskets, secured rebounds and committed no turnovers, while Nigeria missed their lone field-goal attempt and two free throws.