Nigeria’s D’Tigress suffered a setback in their opening game of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, losing 99–81 to South Korea in Berlin on Friday.
Rena Wakama’s side made a promising start and stayed within touching distance of the Koreans for much of the first half, but South Korea took a 26–22 lead into the second quarter.
D’Tigress continued to battle in the second quarter and remained firmly in contention, reducing the deficit at one stage before South Korea went into halftime with a narrow 48–45 advantage.
The Koreans increased the pressure after the break and extended their lead to 68–62 by the end of the third quarter.
Nigeria struggled to mount a comeback in the final quarter as South Korea pulled away, eventually securing an 18-point victory and handing the African champions a disappointing opening result.
Despite the defeat, D’Tigress will have little time to dwell on the result as they face Hungary on Saturday in their next group game.
Wakama’s team will now look to respond strongly against Hungary and put their World Cup campaign back on track with a much-needed victory.
