Nigeria's D'Tigress opened their 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup campaign with an 18-point defeat, going down 99-81 to South Korea in a Group Stage clash in Berlin on Friday. The result leaves the reigning African champions needing a response when they meet Hungary on Saturday.
Under head coach Rena Wakama, Nigeria showed early promise but slipped four points behind by the end of the first quarter as South Korea took a 26-22 lead. The Nigerian side narrowed the gap before the break, heading into halftime trailing 48-45.
The Asian side extended its advantage after the interval, leading 68-62 heading into the final period. From there, D'Tigress struggled to close the gap as South Korea pulled away down the stretch.
