Women’s FIBA World Championship 2026 (Q): Mali and Nigeria in a mixed mood, Senegal outclassed

A Mali with a good reaction

In Wuhan, Mali blew hot and cold. After a frustrating start against China (81-68), where they held off the vice-world champions for a quarter time before collapsing under the weight of the opposing centimeters, the Malian women showed that they had character.

Thursday, they corrected the situation with the way against the Czech Republic (77-64). Worn by a Maïmouna Haïdara in boss mode (24 points, 7 rebounds), the Eagles stifled their opponents from the first half. This success puts them back in the race, but the next duel against Belgium on Saturday will be a real test of maturity.

Nigeria falls back to earth

Everything had started well for the D'Tigresses in Lyon. Against Colombia, the defending champions of Africa delivered a near-perfect defensive score, leaving only 37 points to their opponents for a clean victory (70-37). Nicola Enabosi, author of a double-double seemed then to guide Nigeria towards a serene qualification.
However, the machine jammed during the second match. Faced with the vivacity of South Korea, the Nigerians suffered the law of outside shooting and lost 77-60. A setback that forces Nigeria to impose itself imperatively against the Philippines in order not to complicate the task.

South Sudan: learning is painful



Surprise bronze medallists at the last AfroBasket, the Bright Stars discover the harshness of the world level. In Wuhan, the awakening was brutal: a heavy initial defeat against the Czech Republic (89-52), followed by a more disputed but equally frustrating loss against Brazil (94-79).
Despite the defeat of Maria Gakdeng and the duo Diew - Bulgak, the South Sudanese pay cash for their concentration jumps upon returning from the locker room. Now last in their group, they will have to create the exploit against China to glimpse a miracle.

Senegal slip in Puerto Rico



The Lionesses did not have a happy hand at the time of the group draw by falling in the pool of USA and Spain. They were also not helped by the schedule that gave them these two opponents during their first two outings. 

The verdict was without appeal: a logical rout against the USA (110-46) and a more "encouraging" defeat against Spain (84-51), where Ndioma Kane and Khadija Fall showed great skill in the game. The real tournament of Senegal begins now. Their destiny will be played against New Zealand: a victory is mandatory.