Nigeria Face Tough FIBA Women’s World Cup Group as France Loom Large

By Emmanuel Kwada

Nigeria’s D’Tigress will face a formidable challenge at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, with defending African champions drawn into a difficult Group B alongside tournament favourites France, South Korea and Hungary.

The tournament is scheduled for September 4–13, 2026, in Germany, with Nigeria heading into the competition determined to make a strong impression on the global stage.

FIBA described the Nigeria-South Korea fixture as the pivotal game in Group B.

According to a preview published by FIBA, France enter Group B as the clear favourites after an impressive showing at the Qualifying Tournament, where they won all their games.

The French squad boasts several elite players, including Marine Johannes, Valériane Ayayi and Gabby Williams, making them one of the leading contenders not only to top the group but also to challenge the United States for the World Cup title.

For Nigeria, however, the most intriguing contest could be their meeting with South Korea.

Nigeria and South Korea are already familiar with each other after meeting at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Lyon-Villeurbanne earlier this year.

South Korea emerged with a convincing 17-point victory, giving them psychological advantage ahead of their World Cup encounter.

Gabby Williams will be a driving force for France as usual

FIBA described the Nigeria-South Korea fixture as the pivotal game in Group B, with the result potentially having a major impact on the final group standings.

However, Nigeria will have an opportunity to turn the earlier defeat into motivation.

The D’Tigress, who have established themselves as Africa’s leading women’s basketball team, will be looking to produce a significantly improved performance when the two sides meet in Berlin.

South Korea will also have to cope with the absence of star centre Jisu Park, whose loss could alter the balance of the contest.

France’s depth, experience and individual quality make them the team Nigeria and the other Group B contenders must overcome if they are to challenge for top position.

The French side came close to Olympic glory at Paris 2024, pushing the United States all the way in a dramatic women’s basketball final.

Gabby Williams remains one of France’s key players and is expected to play a central role in their World Cup campaign. Her defensive ability, leadership and all-round quality could make her one of the leading candidates in the race for the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award.

Another French player attracting attention is Dominique Malonga, whose athleticism and improving offensive game have made her one of the emerging stars to watch.

Hungary, ranked 19th in the FIBA Women’s World Ranking, are considered the underdogs in the group but could prove difficult opponents.

They impressed during the Qualifying Tournament in Istanbul by defeating Japan, Türkiye and Argentina.

Their hopes, however, could depend heavily on the fitness and form of star centre Dorka Juhász, who was outstanding during the qualifying campaign before suffering an injury.

For Nigeria, the World Cup represents another opportunity to demonstrate the growing strength of women’s basketball on the African continent.

The D’Tigress have consistently carried Africa’s hopes at major international competitions and will need discipline, defensive intensity and offensive efficiency to navigate a group containing France and a South Korean side that has already defeated them.

With France expected to lead the group, the battle involving Nigeria, South Korea and Hungary could ultimately determine who advances in a favourable position.

The September tournament therefore promises a demanding test for Nigeria — but also a chance for the African champions to settle an old score, announce themselves on the world stage and push beyond expectations in Germany.

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