Nigeria’s D’Tigress begin their FIBA Women’s World Cup campaign in Berlin with a Group B meeting against South Korea, hoping to build momentum before facing Hungary and a formidable French side. A victory over South Korea would boost Nigeria’s chances of progressing from a pool the team’s coaching staff considers highly competitive.
Coach Wakama has welcomed back veterans Adaora Kalu and Promise Amukamara, both part of the 2018 squad that became the first African team to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. Youth mentor Terfa Nor said their value extends beyond playing time. “It’s not just about minutes played — it’s about the locker room,” he said. “In 2018, those two sat in huddles during timeouts and saw what it looked like when France or Australia turned up the heat. That lived experience is priceless.”
Former assistant coach Chidi Okonkwo described Group B as a war zone. “France are stacked with WNBA talent. South Korea have qualified 17 times running — they don’t panic. Hungary are the unknown quantity with nothing to lose,” he said. He added: “Kalu and Amukamara didn’t come back to make up the numbers. They came back to prove that 2018 wasn’t a fluke.”
Former point guard Reuben Tarzohor pointed to captain Amy Okonkwo, Victoria Macaulay and Jordan Obi as key contributors, while flagging guard depth as a concern behind Kalu. “My only worry is guard depth behind Kalu. If she picks up early fouls against France’s press, Shay Ijiwoye has to step up,” Tarzohor said, predicting a minimum quarter-final finish.
With Nigeria playing South Korea and Hungary on consecutive days, rotation and discipline will be critical. D’Tigress arrive as African champions, no longer viewed as outsiders, and the veterans’ role will be central to translating promise into results on the global stage.
