Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have opened their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign with a 99–81 defeat to South Korea in Berlin, Germany.
The reigning African champions remained competitive for significant stretches of the Group B encounter on Friday but struggled to contain South Korea’s attack as the game progressed.
South Korea took control with an impressive offensive display, with Jihyun Park leading the way with 27 points. For Nigeria, Amy Okonkwo top-scored with 22 points, while Murjanatu Musa also recorded a double-double.
D’Tigress entered the tournament with high expectations after securing the 2025 Women’s Afrobasket title. They are drawn in Group B alongside South Korea, Hungary and France.
The defeat means Nigeria will need to quickly regroup as they face Hungary in their second group game on Saturday, September 5.
Coach Rena Wakama’s side will be hoping to bounce back with a victory to strengthen their chances of progressing to the knockout stages of the competition.
