Nigeria’s D’Tigress began their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign with a defeat after South Korea secured a 99–81 victory over the African champions in Berlin on Friday.
The Group B encounter remained competitive for much of the first three quarters, but South Korea produced a decisive final-quarter performance to pull away from Nigeria and claim an 18-point victory.
D’Tigress started the contest with determination but struggled to contain South Korea’s attacking play as the Asian side took a 26–22 advantage at the end of the opening quarter.
Nigeria responded in the second period and managed to stay within striking distance. However, South Korea maintained its narrow lead and entered the halftime break ahead 48–45.
The Nigerian team continued to battle after the restart, with the players repeatedly attempting to reduce the deficit. South Korea, however, remained composed and gradually increased its advantage.
By the end of the third quarter, the Koreans had moved 68–62 ahead, leaving Nigeria needing a strong finish to turn the game around.
That comeback never materialised.
South Korea raised its intensity in the final quarter, while Nigeria struggled to match its scoring output. The Koreans eventually established a comfortable lead and closed out the game 99–81.
Amy Okonkwo led Nigeria’s scoring effort with 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah also produced an impressive performance for the African champions.
The result gives South Korea an early advantage in Group B, while D’Tigress will have to quickly put the defeat behind them with another important fixture coming up.
D’Tigress Face Hungary Next
Nigeria will return to action on Saturday against Hungary in their second Group B game.
The fixture presents Rena Wakama’s side with an opportunity to respond to the opening-day setback and strengthen its chances of advancing from the group.
D’Tigress entered the tournament as reigning African champions and are making their third appearance at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, following previous outings in 2006 and 2018.
Nigeria’s best performance at the competition came in 2018, when the team became the first African side to reach the quarter-finals.
With Hungary next on the schedule, the African champions will be hoping for a much-improved performance as they continue their pursuit of another historic World Cup run.
