Nigeria’s D’Tigress began their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign on a disappointing note, losing 99-81 to South Korea in their opening Group B match in Berlin on Friday.

The African champions stayed within striking distance for most of the contest, trailing 26-22 after the first quarter and 48-45 at half-time. South Korea then carried a six-point advantage, 68-62, into the final quarter before pulling away decisively.

South Korea’s late surge proved decisive, with the Koreans exploiting Nigeria’s turnovers and maintaining greater efficiency from outside. Nigeria committed 23 turnovers compared with South Korea’s 10, while the Koreans made 11 of their 28 three-point attempts.

Park Jihyun led all scorers with 27 points, while Leeseul Kang added 20 points after converting six three-pointers. Their perimeter shooting repeatedly punished Nigeria as the game progressed.

D’Tigress captain Amy Okonkwo led Nigeria with 20 points, while Murjanatu Musa dominated the boards with 13 rebounds. However, Nigeria’s inability to protect possession and contain South Korea’s outside shooting ultimately proved costly.

The defeat leaves coach Rena Wakama with little time to make adjustments, as Nigeria return to action against Hungary on Saturday. The Group B encounter will be crucial to the African champions’ hopes of advancing from the group stage.

D’Tigress entered the tournament as reigning African champions after winning their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title in 2025, while Nigeria’s best World Cup finish remains their quarter-final appearance in 2018. (The Sun, excluding headline)