BELGRADE (Serbia) -  China and France both confirmed their spots for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 in Sydney, while Nigeria also had a night to remember.

China became the first to join Australia and USA at the flagship event later this year, moving to 2-0 in Group B in Belgrade thanks to a powerful 84-64 demolition of Mali. 

The one-two punch of center Yueru Li in the paint and Sijing Huang proved unstoppable, with the former underlining her rapidly growing status as a potential MVP frontrunner by doing more stellar work down low. Yueru Li claimed a 21-point and 11-rebound double-double.

Huang knocked on the door of a triple-double, dismissing the issue of her missing a stack of shots from outside to still walk off the floor with a super 11 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists. 

Upset of the day

Meanwhile Nigeria claimed a famous first ever win against France with a gripping 67-65 comeback success, although it did not deny their opponents still being confirmed as having punched their ticket for Sydney.

Down by 20 points after the opening exchanges (11-31), Nigeria gradually reeled France back in, helped by an amazing half-court buzzer-beater at the end of the third period by Promise Amukamara.

Nigeria then took the lead midway through the last quarter to set up a dramatic conclusion. And, in what proved to be a compelling roller-coaster finish, both nations could have taken victory, but it was Nigeria who got it done,

They were mainly inspired by Victoria Macaulay, who showed out with 19 points, 5 steals, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, while France were punished by a massive 25 turnovers.

Permutations

France is now qualified because of their positive point average (+9) in case of a tie with Nigeria and Mali.

One last ticket for Sydney is now available between Nigeria and Mali.

With a win against Mali, Nigeria will qualify. They will also qualify is they lose by 6 or less point if China beats France on Sunday.

Mali will secure a qualification by winning by 7 or more points against Nigeria. If they win by less than 7 points, they will need France to beat China in order to qualify.

FIBA