Villeurbanne, France – The French women’s national basketball team continued their dominant run at the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualification tournament, securing a fourth consecutive victory on Sunday with a hard-fought 93-86 win over Nigeria at the Astroballe arena. The win officially clinches France’s spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in Berlin from September 4-13.
Despite facing their toughest test yet in the tournament, the French team, led by head coach Jean-Aimé Toupane, demonstrated resilience and depth to overcome a physical Nigerian side. This victory comes after convincing wins against the Philippines (115-66), Colombia (88-48), and Germany (85-63), establishing France as a clear favorite in the competition.
A Physical Battle Tests French Depth
The match against Nigeria proved to be a significant step up in intensity from France’s previous outings. The Nigerian team, reigning African champions and ranked eighth in the world, presented a formidable challenge, particularly in the paint. The contest saw 15 turnovers for the French team and a rebounding battle that resulted in Nigeria outscoring France 40-30 in the paint. France was without key players Iliana Rupert and Dominique Malonga due to injury, further complicating matters against a strong Nigerian interior presence.
Nigeria’s Murjanatu Musa (15 points, playing for Basket Landes in France’s league) and Amy Okonkwo (16 points, formerly with Saint-Amand, Landerneau and Bourges) proved particularly effective, leveraging their familiarity with the French game to create scoring opportunities. The Nigerian squad’s physicality tested France’s resolve, pushing them to their limits in a way they hadn’t experienced in the tournament thus far.
Salaün Shines as France Pulls Away
France initially struggled to find their rhythm, falling behind by as many as 20 points late in the second quarter after two three-pointers from Janelle Salaün (57-38, 19th minute). But, the French team responded with a strong push, fueled by Salaün’s shooting and a renewed defensive effort. A 12-0 run spanning both halves brought them back into contention (57-50, 22nd minute), and they continued to chip away at the deficit.
The game remained tight, with Nigeria threatening to regain the lead late in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to just one point (67-66). However, France’s depth proved to be the deciding factor. As the game wore on, Nigeria began to show signs of fatigue, allowing France to capitalize. Leila Lacan contributed 6 points during a crucial stretch in the fourth quarter (13 total points, but also 4 turnovers), whereas Romane Berniès added 5 of her 7 points in the final period.
Janelle Salaün continued her impressive form, finishing as the game’s leading scorer with 19 points, shooting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. France’s shooting efficiency in the first half (7-of-11 from three-point range) provided a crucial early advantage, although it cooled off somewhat in the second half (11-of-27 overall).
Looking Ahead: A Final Tune-Up Before Berlin
With their World Cup berth secured, France can now approach their final tournament game against South Korea on Tuesday with a focus on preparation and refinement. Coach Toupane intends to use the remaining matches to experiment with different lineups and strategies, preparing his team for the challenges that await them in Berlin. The game against South Korea offers another opportunity to assess their performance against a different style of play.
The French team’s success in the qualification tournament underscores their status as a rising force in international women’s basketball. Their blend of experienced veterans and emerging talent, combined with Toupane’s tactical acumen, positions them as a strong contender at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. The team will be looking to build on this momentum as they prepare for the global stage.
France’s victory over Nigeria was a testament to their resilience, depth, and shooting prowess. While the Nigerian team presented a significant challenge, the French team ultimately proved too strong, securing their place among the world’s elite in women’s basketball. The focus now shifts to continued preparation and fine-tuning as they set their sights on the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin.
The next match for the French team is against South Korea on Tuesday, marking the final game of the qualification tournament. Fans can follow updates and results on the official FIBA website and through French basketball federation channels.
