Head coach of France women’s national basketball team, Jean-Aimé Toupane, has cautioned his players against underestimating Nigeria women’s national basketball team ahead of their Group B encounter at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
The draw, held in Berlin, placed Nigeria alongside France, South Korea and Hungary, with the French side widely tipped to top the group. However, Toupane warned that recent victories over Nigeria should not lead to complacency.
France defeated Nigeria 93-86 during the qualifying tournament in Lyon-Villeurbanne and also secured a win over South Korea, strengthening their status as one of the tournament favourites.
Despite this, Toupane stressed that past results would count for little at the global event, noting the high level of competition.
“Knowing who we’re going to play is important, but at this level all teams are strong, so we must stay focused,” he said.
He added that familiarity with opponents could make matches more challenging rather than easier.
“We mustn’t lose focus just because we’ve recently played Nigeria and Korea. Facing a team you’ve beaten is never easy. We need the same determination and ambition,” he said.
Toupane also acknowledged Nigeria’s strength, describing previous encounters as consistently tough.
“It’s never easy to play Nigeria. This will be the third competition in a row we are facing them. They are a very strong team, led by a great coach,” he added.
Nigeria, seeded in pot two, avoided a tougher group that could have included teams like the United States and Australia, but still face a demanding schedule.
The African champions will open their campaign against South Korea on September 4, face Hungary the following day, and conclude the group stage against France on September 7.
France, currently ranked second in the world and silver medallists at the 2024 Olympic Games, are aiming to return to the World Cup podium for the first time since 1953.
Meanwhile, Nigeria have already begun preparations, opening a training camp in Los Angeles as they gear up for the tournament with a series of high-profile exhibition matches in the United States.
