D’Tigress turn focus to Spain after China tour victory

Nigeria's senior women's basketball team, D'Tigress, concluded their three-game tour of China with an encouraging 88-77 victory over the host nation in Foshan. This win offers a timely confidence boost as the reigning African champions intensify their preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin. Elizabeth Balogun led Nigeria's scoring with 26 points, and Grace Efosa contributed 19 points, as D'Tigress showed resilience after losing the first two games of the series, 70-67 and 69-65. Head coach Rena Wakama used the China tour as an opportunity to evaluate her squad against strong competition. The China assignment followed an earlier preparation tour in the United States, where the team faced three WNBA teams. With the China tour now complete, D'Tigress shifts its focus to Tenerife, Spain. There, they will participate in a triangular tournament from August 21 to 23, featuring Nigeria, Spain, and Belgium. These matches will allow Wakama to refine team rotations, offensive strategies, defensive organization, and overall team chemistry before the World Cup. D'Tigress secured their spot in the Berlin tournament by retaining the FIBA Women's AfroBasket title in 2025. Ranked eighth globally, Nigeria is in Group B alongside France, South Korea, and Hungary. Their World Cup campaign begins on September 4 against South Korea, followed by a match against Hungary on September 5, and a final group stage game against France on September 7. The victory over China serves as encouragement for Wakama and her players, but the demanding schedule continues.

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The win gave the reigning African champions a timely confidence boost as they continue preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin.