China’s women’s basketball team dropped an 88-77 decision to Nigeria during an Aug. 12 warmup game in Foshan, according to Xinhua reports, wrapping up a three-game series with two wins and one loss while playing without injured starters Zhang Ziyu and Wang Siyu.
How Nigeria Capitalized on China’s Roster Gaps
Nigeria seized control early in the matchup by hitting five 3-pointers in the opening quarter, paced by forward Elizabeth Balogun, who finished with a game-high 26 points. Xinhua reported that China struggled immediately from the tip-off, as Liu Yutong repeatedly had drives blocked while the team shot just 16.7 percent from beyond the arc in the first half on two made 3-pointers. Nigeria parlayed that defensive pressure and transition speed into a commanding 58-29 halftime lead, extending their advantage to as many as 31 points before securing the 88-77 final score.
Tactical Adjustments and the “Five Mid-Size Lineup”
China responded after the intermission with a 10-2 run led by Chen Mingling that contained Nigeria’s starting point guard Ezinne Kalu, followed by difficult 3-pointers from Zhang Manman and Yang Shuyu that sliced the deficit to 10 points. However, Xinhua noted that two crucial turnovers allowed Nigeria to stabilize via fast breaks. Yang paced China with 23 points and six assists, while Deng Yuting contributed 12 points. Head coach Gong Luming explained after the match that Zhang Ziyu suffered an ankle sprain in a prior warmup, while Wang Siyu sustained a muscle strain, keeping both sidelined as a precaution to evaluate younger talent.
Path to the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup
Following the conclusion of the Nigeria series, China will return to a training camp in Beijing before traveling to Europe in late August for additional warmup fixtures, according to Xinhua. These matches serve as final preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, scheduled for Sept. 4 to 13 in Berlin, Germany. China has been drawn into Group D alongside the United States, the Czech Republic, and Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Zhang Ziyu and Wang Siyu miss the game against Nigeria?
According to China head coach Gong Luming, Zhang Ziyu suffered an ankle sprain in a previous warmup game, and Wang Siyu sustained a muscle strain. Both were held out as a precaution to evaluate younger players.
Who led the scoring for China and Nigeria in the Foshan matchup?
Yang Shuyu led China with 23 points and six assists, while Elizabeth Balogun posted a game-high 26 points for Nigeria, according to Xinhua reports.
What are China’s next steps before the FIBA World Cup?
China will return to training in Beijing and head to Europe in late August for further warmup matches ahead of the World Cup in Berlin, where they will face the United States, the Czech Republic, and Italy in Group D.
Did you know? China played significant stretches of the Nigeria series without a traditional center, utilizing what coach Gong Luming describes as a “five mid-size lineup” focused on defensive maturity and accelerated transition speed.
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