**D'Tigress Suffer Narrow Loss to France in World Cup Qualifier** In a thrilling Group A encounter at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament, hosts France edged out Nigeria's D'Tigress 93-86 at the Astroballe arena in Villeurbanne, France. The French team, ranked third in the world, took control from the outset, dictating the pace of the game and never looking back. The D'Tigress, who claimed the African Championship title in 2021, put up a valiant fight but ultimately fell short. Despite a strong effort, they were unable to close the gap between themselves and the French team, who maintained their lead throughout the game. The French team's dominance was evident in their shooting accuracy, which saw them sink 36 out of 59 field goal attempts. In contrast, the D'Tigress managed 31 out of 64 shots from the field. The hosts also out-rebounded their opponents, securing 41 boards compared to Nigeria's 34. Despite the narrow margin of victory, the loss is a setback for the D'Tigress, who will need to regroup and refocus ahead of their next qualifying match. The team, which has a rich history of producing talented players, will be looking to bounce back and secure a spot in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026. For French fans, the win is a boost to their team's confidence, especially with the tournament being held on home soil. The victory also marks a significant step towards France's goal of qualifying for the World Cup. The outcome of this match has significant implications for Nigeria's bid to qualify for the World Cup. The D'Tigress will need to win their remaining matches to stay in contention, while France's victory puts them in a strong position to top their group and secure a spot in the World Cup. The match was a showcase of the skills and athleticism of both teams, with players from both sides putting on a thrilling display of basketball. Despite the loss, the D'Tigress can take pride in their performance and will be looking to use this experience to fuel their push for qualification.