D’Tigress End China Tour on High With 88-77 Win Over Hosts
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, ended their China tour on a high after beating the hosts 88-77 in their final exhibition game in Foshan on Wednesday.
The victory gave the reigning African champions a major confidence boost as they continue preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin.
Elizabeth Balogun led Nigeria with an impressive 26 points, while Grace Efosa added 19 points as D’Tigress produced a strong attacking display to secure an 11-point win.
The result was a good response from Nigeria and allowed the team to finish their China assignment on a winning note.
The tour is part of D’Tigress’ demanding preparations for the World Cup. Before travelling to China, the team faced three WNBA sides in the United States — Los Angeles Sparks, Minnesota Lynx and Indiana Fever.
The series has given head coach Rena Wakama the chance to test her players against different playing styles and strong opposition. She has also been able to work on the team’s rotations, attacking play and defensive organisation.
D’Tigress will need to build on these lessons when the World Cup begins. Nigeria, ranked eighth in the world, have been drawn in Group B alongside France, South Korea and Hungary.
Nigeria will begin their campaign against South Korea on September 4, face Hungary on September 5 and then take on France on September 7.
The team qualified for the World Cup after retaining the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title in 2025 and will now use the remaining weeks to improve their chemistry, consistency and confidence.
D’Tigress’ next stop is Tenerife, Spain, where they are scheduled to take part in a triangular tournament with Spain and Belgium from August 21 to 23.
The tournament will provide another important test for Nigeria as they continue their final preparations for the World Cup in Berlin.
