Nigeria women’s national basketball team have been drawn against France and South Korea in Group B of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026, setting up early rematches following recent qualifying defeats.
The draw also places Nigeria alongside Hungary in what analysts describe as a balanced and unpredictable group. Ranked eighth in the world, Nigeria will look to secure a place in the knockout rounds against higher and lower ranked opposition.
The matchups carry added significance after Nigeria lost to both France and South Korea at the World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Lyon. They were narrowly beaten 93-86 by France before falling 77-60 to South Korea less than a day after opening their campaign with a win over Colombia.
Those results are expected to provide motivation as Nigeria aim to reverse recent outcomes on the global stage.
The tournament, scheduled to take place in Germany from September 4 to 13, will feature 16 teams competing for the title. France, ranked second in the world, enter Group B as favourites, while South Korea and Hungary, ranked 15th and 19th respectively, complete the lineup.
Elsewhere, hosts Germany headline Group A alongside Spain, Japan and Mali. Group C includes top ranked sides Australia and Belgium, while defending champions the United States lead Group D with China, Italy and Czech Republic.
Nigeria have already stepped up preparations under head coach Rena Wakama, naming a 21 player training squad that blends experience with emerging talent. The team is also set to face WNBA opposition in exhibition games, including matchups against the Los Angeles Sparks, Minnesota Lynx and Indiana Fever.
Key players such as Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara and Victoria Macaulay are expected to form the backbone of the squad.
Having dominated African basketball in recent years, Nigeria now turn their focus to translating that success onto the world stage, with Group B offering both a challenge and an opportunity to underline their progress.
