The match remained tight throughout much of the contest. Quarter-by-quarter scores reflected a back-and-forth battle:
- Q1: Nigeria 14 – Germany 17
- Q2: Nigeria 17 – Germany 18 (Halftime: 31-35)
- Q3: Nigeria 21 – Germany 19 (Nigeria closed the gap)
- Q4: Nigeria 21 – Germany 27 (Decisive German run)
Despite narrowing the deficit to as little as two points late in the game (76-74 at one stage), Germany pulled away with efficient scoring and defensive stops to secure the eight-point victory.
Several Nigerian players delivered standout performances amid the defeat, highlighting the team’s depth and fighting spirit. The result leaves D’Tigress with a 2-2 record in the qualifying window, having secured impressive wins earlier in the tournament while gaining valuable experience against elite competition.
This qualifier served primarily as preparation rather than a must-win scenario, given both nations’ prior qualification status, Nigeria via AfroBasket dominance and Germany as tournament hosts.
Head coach Rena Wakama and the squad now shift full focus to the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 in Germany (September), where D’Tigress aim to build on their status as one of Africa’s premier teams and make a deep run on the global stage.
The team and fans remain proud of the progress shown, with individual accolades (such as Victoria Macaulay’s All-Star recognition earlier in qualifiers) underscoring the bright future ahead.
