Nigeria’s D’Tigress suffered a disappointing start to the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after losing 99-81 to South Korea in their opening Group B fixture.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Rena Wakama-led side was outplayed by the Koreans at the Berlin Arena in Germany on Friday, struggling to contain their opponents’ attack and giving away several turnovers.
South Korea took control early, ending the first quarter with a 26-22 lead.
D’Tigress responded with a stronger showing in the second quarter, but the Koreans maintained their advantage and went into halftime leading 48-45.
Nigeria remained within striking distance in the third quarter, but South Korea held on to a 68-62 advantage heading into the final period.
The Koreans then pulled away decisively in the fourth quarter, extending their lead to secure an 18-point victory.
Jihyun Park was South Korea’s standout performer, leading all scorers with 27 points.
Amy Okonkwo, captain of D’Tigress, finished with 22 points to rank second on the scoring chart, but her contribution was not enough to prevent Nigeria from suffering defeat.
The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup began on September 4 in Berlin and will run until September 13.
D’Tigress secured their place at the tournament after winning the Women’s Afrobasket in late 2025.
Nigeria were drawn in Group B alongside France, South Korea and Hungary.
The team topping each group will advance directly to the quarter-finals, while the first and second runners-up will progress to the qualification round. The winners of the qualification round will join the four group winners in the final eight.
D’Tigress will face Hungary in their next Group B fixture on Saturday.
The Nigerian side will also be aiming to improve on their quarter-final finish at the 2018 World Cup in Tenerife, Spain.
