Zhang Ziyu's game-high 24 points and 11 rebounds were key as China edged Nigeria 70-67 in Haikou during the first of their three warm-up games against the West African nation. These match-ups serve as vital preparation for both sides ahead of the upcoming FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin. 

Nigeria tied the game at 67-67 going into the final minute, but Zhang hit the winning points with just 15.1 seconds left. Nigeria then missed a potential opportunity to score an equalizer just before the final buzzer sounded. Zhang shot 11-of-15 from the field, while Yang Shuyu added 12 points for China, who went 3-of-18 from the three-point range.

China made full use of Zhang's height advantage early on, as she scored eight straight points in the opening quarter. But five China turnovers allowed a physical Nigerian side to level at 22-22 by the end of the first period.

Nigeria dominated attacking play with 27 offensive rebounds, nine more than China and kept the game close throughout. The hosts led 39-38 at halftime and 55-52 after the third quarter. Wang Siyu hit one of two free throws to give China the lead before Zhang's defensive stop and inside bucket sealed the win.

Murjanatu Musa led Nigeria with 15 points and Promise Amukamara contributed 10.

"We tried different lineups today. We're happy about the win, but we need to improve on defensive rebounds and turnovers," said China coach Gong Luming.

The two sides will meet again in Haikou on Sunday before the final friendly in Foshan, Guangdong Province next Wednesday. The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup will be held in Berlin, Germany from September 4 to 13.