Spain W vs Nigeria W

The third quarter was where the match was won. Nigeria managed only four points — a single basket and two free throws — while Spain's defensive rotations stifled every D'Tigress set. Coach Miguel Méndez's half-time adjustments proved decisive: Spain switched to a more aggressive pick-and-roll defence that forced Nigeria into long possessions and low-percentage shots.

Helena Pueyo was Spain's standout, recording 11 points and a game-high 13 valuation in just 19 minutes of court time, according to the Spanish Basketball Federation. Her energy off the bench sparked the second-half surge.

Alba Torrens, the veteran captain, provided leadership and composure throughout, finishing with a steady all-around contribution as Spain's go-to option in the half-court.

For Nigeria, Elizabeth Balogun — who scored 26 points in Nigeria's 88-77 win over China earlier this month — was the primary offensive threat, though detailed individual box scores for this match were not immediately published.

Player of the Match: Helena Pueyo (Spain W)

The quarter-by-quarter progression tells the full story. Spain's 16-4 third quarter was the match's decisive swing — a defensive masterclass that turned a tight contest into a rout. The final-period 31-14 margin confirmed the shift in momentum was permanent, not temporary.

Spain shot the ball with increasing confidence as the game wore on, while Nigeria's offensive production collapsed after a promising first half. The 25-point margin overstated Spain's dominance in the opening 20 minutes but accurately captured their control over the final 20.

Spain are now 2-0 in their World Cup preparation series, with a 65-60 win over Germany followed by this comprehensive victory. They face Belgium on Saturday 22 August in the second match of the Torneo Internacional de Tenerife before moving to Zaragoza for a final preparation camp from 25 August to 3 September.

Nigeria (D'Tigress) continue their build-up to the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin (4-13 September), where they are drawn in Group B alongside South Korea, Hungary and France. They face Belgium on 23 August in Tenerife before heading to Zaragoza for further friendlies against Mali and Puerto Rico from 25 August.

For a betting perspective, Spain's strength at home and their defensive organisation — holding Nigeria to four points in the third quarter — signals they are tracking well ahead of the World Cup. Nigeria, despite the loss, have time to integrate their roster before group play begins against South Korea on 4 September.

A professional, controlled performance from Spain that exposed Nigeria's lack of cohesion at this stage of their preparation. The third-quarter shutout was the headline, but Spain's bench depth — particularly Pueyo's impact — is the most encouraging sign for Méndez with the World Cup two weeks away.