The third round of qualification tournaments for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup ended this Saturday. If the D'Tigress of Nigeria have almost validated their ticket for Germany, the Lionesses of Senegal have finally found their rhythm. On the other hand, the day did not smile on Mali nor South Sudan.
The offensive festival of Nigeria
In Lyon, the African champions swept away the doubts born from their defeat on the second day. Opposed to the Philippines, the players of Rena Wakama delivered a real show of strength, crossing the symbolic mark of 100 points (101-84).
Thanks to a regained outside address and an insolent physical domination, Nigeria signs its second victory in three games. This success allows them to point at the 3rd place in their group and to get very seriously closer to the official qualification. But France is looming this Sunday.
Senegal relaunched
After having suffered two logical but harsh defeats against the American and Spanish ogres, Senegal has finally launched its competition in San Juan. Against a team from New Zealand renowned for its fighting spirit, the Lionesses imposed a real defensive lock, conceding only 45 points. Final score: 61-45.
This victory, the first in this tournament, acts as a real breath of fresh air for Cheikh Sarr’s daughters. The Senegalese women regain hope to seek a qualification that seemed compromised after a start of the Dantesque calendar. Next opponent this Sunday, Puerto Rico at home.
Mali hits the Belgian wall
In Wuhan, the march was undoubtedly too high for the Malian women. Against a Belgium (reigning European champion) in full control of their collective basketball, Mali sank after the break (81-50). Despite efforts under the circle, transmissions were too often intercepted by surgical Belgian Cats.
It is the second defeat in three games for the vice-champions of Africa. Mali will absolutely have to win this Sunday against Brazil to keep their chances of qualification, before finishing with a final match against South Sudan.
South Sudan can’t do it
The resistance was not enough and the dream of a first world victory is moving away for the Bright Stars. Yet, the women of South Sudan did not overshadow China, pushed by its audience in Wuhan. In a match much closer than the final score suggests (86-76), South Sudan paid dearly for their lack of experience in the final minutes.
With three defeats in three games, the South Sudanese are now back to the wall. Mathematically, qualification becomes a mirage, but their fight against the Asian giants will serve as experience for them in the upcoming events.
