D’Tigress of Nigeria narrowly lost 77–76 to Turkey on Friday in a thrilling international friendly game in Istanbul, as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria started with Sarah Ogoke, Grace Efosa, Nicole Enabosi, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, and Rita Igbokwe.
Turkey won the first quarter 15–14, before D’Tigress fought back in the second-quarter to but fell short as it finished 30-25. The hosts, however, regained momentum in the third quarter, outscoring Nigeria 22–12.
Both sides fought hard in the closing minutes, but despite a late rally from the Nigerians, Turkey held on for a one-point victory as the game finished 77-76.
D’Tigress are using these friendlies to evaluate the squad ahead of the demanding qualifying window for a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
The FIBA World Cup qualifying series is scheduled for 11th – 17th March, 2026 in four cities: Lyon-Villeurbanne (France), Wuhan (China), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Istanbul (Turkey).
Twenty-four nations will compete for 16 tickets to the World Cup in Berlin, Germany. The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup will take place from 4th – 13th September, 2026.