By VICTOR OKOYE

Abuja, March 18, 2026 (NAN) Nigeria women’s national basketball team lost 81-73 to Germany women’s national basketball team in a group phase game at the FIBA World Cup qualifiers in France.

Nigeria showed resilience, briefly taking the lead in the second quarter, but struggled to sustain momentum against a disciplined German side.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the turning point came late in the third quarter after Nigeria led 49-46, before Germany responded with a decisive scoring run.

Leonie Fiebich sparked the comeback, combining with Nyara Sabally to shift control of the game.

Nigeria were restricted offensively during that stretch, allowing Germany to build a lead they maintained until the final whistle.

Elizabeth Balogun led Nigeria with 15 points, including three three-pointers, inspiring a strong second-quarter performance.

Germany’s Fiebich posted 15 points, eight assists and four rebounds, while Alexis Peterson added 14 points and eight assists.

Nigeria’s best spell was a 10-0 run in the second quarter, overturning a deficit to take a 31-27 lead.

However, Germany responded with a similar run spanning the second and third quarters to regain control of the contest.

Nigeria led for just over three minutes, while Germany dominated possession and tempo for most of the game.

The Nigerian side faltered in the closing stages, failing to convert key opportunities as Germany sealed victory.

Nigeria women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, finished fourth in Group A at the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers after winning two of their five games.

They recorded victories over Colombia and Philippines women’s national basketball team, but lost to South Korea, France and Germany.

Despite the results, the reigning African champions had already secured qualification for the World Cup after winning the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025 title.

Nigeria claimed their fifth consecutive and seventh overall title by defeating Mali women’s national basketball team 78–64 in the final in Abidjan.

The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup will hold in Berlin, Germany, from Sept. 4 to Sept. 13, 2026.

The 16-team tournament will take place at the Max-Schmeling-Halle, marking Germany’s second time hosting the championship.(NAN)

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