WNBA · Final

Minnesota Lynx Defeat Nigeria 88-79 in WNBA Matchup

Monday, April 27, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · T-Mobile Center

Minnesota Lynx 88, NIGERIA 79, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won NIGERIA vs Minnesota Lynx?

Minnesota Lynx beat NIGERIA 88-79 at T-Mobile Center on April 27, 2026.

In an exciting WNBA matchup, the Minnesota Lynx secured a victory against Nigeria with a final score of 88-79 at the T-Mobile Center. This win marks the Lynx's third consecutive victory at home, improving their record to 2-0 for the season, while Nigeria remains winless at 0-2. The game showcased the Lynx's strong offensive capabilities, as they averaged 79.7 points per game over their last ten outings, compared to Nigeria's average of 63.0 points in their most recent game.

The Lynx entered the game with a home record of 3-1 and were looking to build on their recent form, which included a win against the Washington Mystics just days prior, where they won 77-66. The Lynx's last five games saw them hold a record of 2-3, scoring an average of 79.8 points while allowing 78.8 points to their opponents. In contrast, Nigeria's recent form has been less favorable, having lost their last match against the Los Angeles Sparks 63-89, which contributed to their current losing streak of one.

The Lynx faced some challenges with injuries, as Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz were all ruled out for the game. Buenavida's absence was due to a coach's decision, while Delaere and Juhasz were not injury-related. Despite these setbacks, the Lynx managed to put forth a strong performance.

The scoring in the game was competitive, with Minnesota establishing a lead that they maintained throughout the match. In the fourth quarter, Reigan Richardson contributed to the Lynx's score with a two-foot layup, assisted by Eliska Hamzova, bringing the score to 86-72. Nigeria attempted to close the gap with free throws from Ezinne Kalu, but the Lynx responded effectively, with Liatu King and Gabby White adding to their tally with successful free throws.

Betting lines from a provider indicated the Lynx as favorites, reflecting their strong home record and recent performances. The conditions at the T-Mobile Center were conducive to a high-energy game, with fans supporting the Lynx throughout.

Viewers should have noted the Lynx's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, particularly in the fourth quarter, as they maintained composure under pressure. The final minutes saw both teams exchanging points, but the Lynx's lead proved insurmountable for Nigeria.

Overall, this matchup highlighted the Lynx's offensive strength and resilience, setting a positive tone for their upcoming games in the WNBA season.

Injury report

Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
Antonia DelaereOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
Dorka JuhaszOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx

Leaders

PointsCourtney Williams17Minnesota Lynx
AssistsEliska Joklova7Minnesota Lynx
ReboundsOlivia Miles5Minnesota Lynx
PointsEzinne Kalu25NIGERIA
AssistsPromise Amukamara5NIGERIA
ReboundsGabby White7NIGERIA

Recent form

Minnesota Lynx

Last 10: 6-4Streak W179.7 scored · 74.8 allowed per game3-1 at home

W77-66at Washington MysticsApr 25
L81-86at Phoenix MercurySep 29
L76-84at Phoenix MercurySep 27
L83-89vs Phoenix MercurySep 23
W82-69vs Phoenix MercurySep 21
W75-74at Golden State ValkyriesSep 18
W101-72vs Golden State ValkyriesSep 14
W72-53vs Golden State ValkyriesSep 12
L72-83at Indiana FeverSep 9
W78-72at Golden State ValkyriesSep 7

NIGERIA

1 game: 0-1Streak L163 scored · 89 allowed per game0-1 away

L63-89at Los Angeles SparksApr 25

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Minnesota	-	9	L2	.775	31
Golden State	2	11	W4	.725	29
Las Vegas	4	13	W3	.675	27
Dallas	7	16	W4	.600	24
Portland	15	24	L1	.400	16
Los Angeles	16	25	W2	.375	15
Phoenix	17	26	W1	.350	14
Seattle	23	32	L1	.200	8

Box score

Stat	NIGERIA	Minnesota Lynx
Field goals	24-60	29-58
Field goal %	40	50
Three-pointers	4-18	8-25
Three-point %	22	32
Free throws	27-37	22-29
Free throw %	73	76
Rebounds	36	25
Offensive rebounds	12	6
Defensive rebounds	24	19
Assists	11	23
Steals	8	5
Blocks	2	4
Turnovers	15	17
Team turnovers	2	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	24	23
Fast-break points	7	13
Points in the paint	32	32
Fouls	29	25
Largest lead	4	15
Lead changes	6	6
Time in front	19	77

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter49-54Ezinne Kalu makes free throw 3 of 3
3rd Quarter49-56Saylor Poffenbarger makes 18-foot jumper (Olivia Miles assists)
3rd Quarter51-56Blessing Ejiofor makes 13-foot jumper (Gabby White assists)
3rd Quarter51-57Jaylyn Sherrod makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter51-58Jaylyn Sherrod makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter51-59Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter51-61Nia Coffey makes driving layup (Antonia Delaere assists)
3rd Quarter53-61Gabby White makes driving layup
3rd Quarter53-63Olivia Miles makes two point shot (Nia Coffey assists)
3rd Quarter55-63Gabby White makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
3rd Quarter57-63Blessing Ejiofor makes layup (Uche Izoje assists)
3rd Quarter58-63Ezinne Kalu makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter59-63Ezinne Kalu makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter59-66Eliska Hamzova makes 23-foot three point jumper (Liatu King assists)
3rd Quarter59-67Eliska Hamzova makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter59-70Lani White makes 23-foot three point jumper (Liatu King assists)
4th Quarter62-70Promise Amukamara makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
4th Quarter62-72Reigan Richardson makes running layup (Liatu King assists)
4th Quarter62-74Liatu King makes 10-foot jumper (Eliska Hamzova assists)
4th Quarter62-76Lani White makes running layup (Eliska Hamzova assists)
4th Quarter63-76Pallas Kunaiyi makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter64-76Pallas Kunaiyi makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter66-76Gabby White makes driving layup
4th Quarter67-76Pallas Kunaiyi makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter68-76Pallas Kunaiyi makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter68-77Lani White makes free throw 1 of 3
4th Quarter68-78Lani White makes free throw 2 of 3
4th Quarter68-79Lani White makes free throw 3 of 3
4th Quarter68-82Lani White makes 24-foot three point jumper (Eliska Hamzova assists)
4th Quarter70-82Victoria Macaulay makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot (Ezinne Kalu assists)
4th Quarter70-84Eliska Hamzova makes driving layup (Liatu King assists)
4th Quarter72-84Gabby White makes running layup (Promise Amukamara assists)
4th Quarter72-86Reigan Richardson makes 2-foot layup (Eliska Hamzova assists)
4th Quarter72-87Reigan Richardson makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter73-87Ezinne Kalu makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter74-87Ezinne Kalu makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter76-87Blessing Ejiofor makes 16-foot turnaround jump shot
4th Quarter76-88Liatu King makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter77-88Gabby White makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter79-88Suzie Rafiu makes two point shot

Venue

T-Mobile CenterKansas City, MO
Attendance6510
OfficialsAmy Bonner, Kelsey Reynolds, Josh Reed