Nigeria's senior women's basketball team, D'Tigress, secured an 88-77 victory over China in Foshan on Wednesday, concluding their three-game tour of China with a confidence-boosting win. The reigning African champions now turn their attention to Spain as they continue preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin.
Victory Caps China Tour After Two Losses
The win was led by Elizabeth Balogun, who scored 26 points, with Grace Efosa adding 19. The team responded strongly after losing the opening two games of the series, 70-67 and 69-65, to end the tour on a high note.
Head coach Rena Wakama used the final game as another opportunity to assess her squad against quality opposition ahead of the World Cup. The China assignment followed Nigeria's earlier preparation tour of the United States, where they faced three WNBA teams—Los Angeles Sparks, Minnesota Lynx, and Indiana Fever—between 29 July and 2 August.
Next Stop: Tenerife Triangular Tournament
With the China tour complete, the focus shifts to Tenerife, Spain, where D'Tigress will continue their build-up. Spain's national team has confirmed a triangular tournament in Tenerife involving Nigeria and Belgium from 21 to 23 August. These games will give Wakama another chance to work on rotations, offensive execution, defensive organisation, and team chemistry before the World Cup.
World Cup Group and Schedule
D'Tigress are among Africa's representatives at the Berlin tournament after retaining the FIBA Women's AfroBasket title in 2025. Nigeria, ranked eighth in the world, have been drawn in Group B alongside France, South Korea, and Hungary. They will open their campaign against South Korea on 4 September, face Hungary the following day, and conclude the group stage against France on 7 September.
For Wakama and her players, the victory over China offers encouragement, but the demanding schedule continues as they prepare for the challenges ahead in Berlin.
