Balogun Leads D’Tigress Fightback Despite France Defeat
Nigeria may have fallen 93-86 to France in Group A of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament, but D’Tigress showed resilience and produced standout individual performances that kept the contest competitive until the final moments.
Elizabeth Balogun was Nigeria’s driving force, finishing with 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a block in nearly 35 minutes of action.
She played turnover-free basketball and spearheaded Nigeria’s best run of the game, a 12-0 burst across the second and third quarters that cut France’s lead from 19 points down to just seven. Her energy and composure kept Nigeria within striking distance.
Nigeria’s defensive intensity and rebounding presence also stood out, with Balogun supported by teammates who battled hard to limit France’s scoring runs.
The team’s ability to respond after France’s 9-0 surge in the second quarter highlighted their fighting spirit, as they refused to let the game slip away without a contest.
Although France never trailed and ultimately closed out the win with a composed final stretch, Nigeria’s performance underscored their potential.
They matched France’s physicality, created scoring opportunities, and showed flashes of dominance during their best spells.
