D’Tigress Begin 2026 World Cup Campaign With Defeat to South Korea

Nigeria’s D’Tigress began their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign on a disappointing note after losing 99-81 to South Korea in Berlin on Friday.

The African champions stayed within striking distance for much of the game but struggled to maintain their momentum in the final quarter, having entered the period six points behind.

South Korea took an early 26-22 lead in the opening quarter before Nigeria responded in the second period to reduce the deficit and head into halftime trailing 48-45.

The Koreans maintained their three-point advantage through the third quarter, leading 68-62, before producing a dominant final period to pull away and secure an 18-point victory.

Jihyun Park was South Korea’s leading scorer with 27 points, while Leeseul Kang posed a major threat from beyond the arc, converting six three-pointers.

South Korea made 11 of 28 attempts from three-point range, compared with Nigeria’s six successful attempts from 20 shots.

D’Tigress also struggled with ball possession, committing 23 turnovers against South Korea’s 10.

Nigeria captain Amy Okonkwo led her team’s scoring with 20 points, while Murjanatu Musa dominated the boards with 13 rebounds.

Despite showing resilience in the opening three quarters, Nigeria could not sustain their challenge as South Korea took advantage of the turnovers and perimeter shooting opportunities to establish control in the closing stages.

The defeat gives coach Rena Wakama plenty to address ahead of Nigeria’s second Group B fixture, particularly the team’s ball security and defence against outside shooters.

D’Tigress will return to action against Hungary on Saturday at 1:15pm, with victory crucial to their hopes of advancing from Group B.

Nigeria qualified for the tournament after winning the 2025 Women’s Afrobasket and were drawn alongside France, South Korea and Hungary.

The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is being staged in Berlin and is scheduled to run until September 13.

D’Tigress reached the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Tenerife, Spain, and will be aiming to go further in this year’s competition.