D’Tigress’ six-game winning streak ends with first defeat at FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

Nigeria women’s national basketball team suffered a 77–60 defeat to South Korea women’s national basketball team at the ongoing FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers in France.

The result ended D’Tigress’ six-game winning streak and marked their first loss of the qualifying tournament.

Nigeria went into the game on the back of a dominant win over Colombia women’s national basketball team earlier in the week but struggled to contain the Koreans, who are ranked seven places below the African champions in the world rankings.

Coached by Rena Wakama, the Nigerian side failed to win any of the four quarters, losing three and sharing the second quarter with their opponents.

Victoria Macaulay led Nigeria’s scoring with 22 points and six rebounds, while Ezinne Kalu recorded six assists. Murjanatu Musa also contributed 10 points.

D’Tigress started strongly and held the lead for much of the first quarter. However, South Korea rallied in the closing minutes, scoring eight points while limiting Nigeria to one to take the quarter 20–16.

The second quarter remained closely contested, with both teams matching each other’s intensity. But South Korea gradually took control of the game, relying heavily on perimeter shooting and finishing with 14 successful three-pointers.

The Asian side pulled away in the fourth quarter with a 14–2 run, restricting Nigeria to just nine points to seal the victory.

The defeat is Nigeria’s first loss to South Korea in three meetings and ends D’Tigress’ six-game winning run.

Nigeria will look to return to winning ways when they face the Philippines women’s national basketball team in their next group match on Saturday. (Daily Trust)