D’Tigress Lose 99-81 To South Korea In FIBA Women’s World Cup Opener.

 

Nigeria’s D’Tigress began their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign on a losing note after suffering a 99-81 defeat to South Korea in Berlin on Friday, September 4.

The African champions remained within touching distance for most of the game but were unable to match South Korea’s intensity in the final quarter as the Koreans pulled away to secure an 18-point victory.

South Korea took an early 26-22 lead at the end of the first quarter before Nigeria responded strongly in the second period.

D’Tigress reduced the deficit to three points at half-time, with South Korea leading 48-45.

Nigeria remained competitive after the break, but the Koreans retained their advantage and entered the final quarter with a 68-62 lead.

South Korea then produced a decisive fourth-quarter performance, outscoring Nigeria 31-19 to complete the victory.

Jihyun Park led all scorers with 27 points for South Korea, while Nigeria captain Amy Okonkwo was her side’s leading scorer. Recent reports put Okonkwo’s tally at 22 points, alongside seven rebounds and three assists.

Nigeria’s inability to maintain possession also proved costly, with turnovers contributing to South Korea’s ability to control the game during key moments.

Despite the defeat, D’Tigress showed resilience and remained competitive through the opening three quarters before South Korea established its decisive advantage late in the contest.

Coach Rena Wakama’s side will now turn its attention to Hungary, who they face in their second Group B game on Saturday.

Nigeria qualified for the World Cup after winning the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket and were drawn in Group B alongside South Korea, Hungary and France.

The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is being held in Berlin from September 4 to 13. D’Tigress are seeking to improve on their previous best World Cup finish after reaching the quarter-finals in 2018 in Tenerife, Spain.