African champions Nigeria D’Tigress were eliminated from the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after suffering a record 111–56 defeat to France on Monday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The 55-point loss was D’Tigress’ heaviest defeat, surpassing their previous worst, a 100–46 loss to the USA at the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Antwerp. It was also their biggest World Cup defeat, eclipsing the 84–50 loss to Russia in 2006.
France dominated from the start, leading 31–13 after the first quarter and 65–26 at half-time. They extended their advantage to 95–39 after three quarters. D’Tigress responded in the final quarter, outscoring France 17–16, but could not prevent the heavy loss.
Les Bleues hit 22 three-pointers to set a new World Cup record, with Gabby Williams leading the way with 25 points. Janelle Salaün added 19, while Marine Johannes scored 17.
Grace Efosa-Aguebor was Nigeria’s top scorer with 15 points, while Elizabeth Balogun added 11. Ezinne Kalu and Victoria Macaulay scored six points each as D’Tigress finished fourth in Group B with three defeats.
Elsewhere, Belgium defeated Australia 80–68 to secure a quarter-final place, while Puerto Rico edged Türkiye 75–71. France and the USA had already booked their places in the last eight.
