Nigeria’s D’Tigress began their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign with a 99–81 defeat to South Korea in Berlin, Germany, on Friday, September 4.
South Korea led 26–22 after the first quarter and maintained a 48–45 advantage at halftime. Despite Nigeria’s efforts after the break, the Koreans extended their lead to 68–62 in the third quarter before pulling away in the final period.
South Korea’s Jihyun Park top-scored with 27 points, while D’Tigress captain Amy Okonkwo led Nigeria with 22 points. Nigeria’s turnovers proved costly as they struggled to mount a comeback.
The result means Rena Wakama’s team must respond quickly when they face Hungary on Saturday in their second Group B match.
Nigeria qualified for the tournament after winning the 2025 Women’s Afrobasket and are grouped with France, South Korea and Hungary. The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup runs from September 4–13 in Berlin.
