The Nigeria women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, began their campaign at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup with a 99–81 defeat to South Korea in Berlin on Friday.
The Group B game was played at the Berlin Arena as Nigeria took part in its third appearance at the World Cup after outings in 2006 and 2018.
D’Tigress, who arrived as reigning African champions after winning a fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title in 2025, made a competitive start but trailed 26–22 at the end of the first quarter.
South Korea maintained their narrow advantage in the second quarter, taking a 48–45 lead into halftime.
Rena Wakama’s side stayed within touching distance after the break, but the Koreans extended their lead to 68–62 at the end of the third quarter.
D’Tigress were unable to produce a comeback in the final quarter as South Korea pulled away to secure an 18-point victory.
Nigeria will face Hungary on Saturday before completing its group-stage campaign against France on Monday.
South Korea will be up against European powerhouse France in their next game.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
