Nigeria's D'Tigress began their 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup campaign with a 99-81 defeat to South Korea in Berlin on Friday, September 4. The African champions stayed within striking distance for the opening three quarters but faded in the final period as South Korea pulled away to secure an 18-point victory.
Match Progression and Key Moments
South Korea took a 26-22 lead after the opening quarter before Nigeria responded in the second period, reducing the deficit to three points at 48-45 by halftime. The Koreans maintained their advantage in the third quarter, entering the final period with a 68-62 lead.
Nigeria was therefore just six points behind heading into the fourth quarter, but South Korea took control down the stretch, outscoring D'Tigress 31-19 to complete the victory. Jihyun Park led all scorers with 27 points, while Leeseul Kang proved particularly effective from three-point range, making six shots from beyond the arc.
Statistical Breakdown and Team Performance
South Korea converted 11 of its 28 three-point attempts, compared with Nigeria's six from 20. Turnovers also proved costly for D'Tigress, who gave the ball away 23 times, more than twice South Korea's total of 10.
Nigeria captain Amy Okonkwo led her team with 20 points, while Murjanatu Musa recorded a game-high 13 rebounds. Despite several periods of resistance, D'Tigress were unable to complete a comeback as South Korea capitalised on Nigeria's turnovers and combined disciplined ball movement with effective perimeter shooting.
Next Fixture and Tournament Context
Coach Rena Wakama will now turn her attention to Nigeria's second Group B fixture against Hungary on Saturday at 1:15 pm as D'Tigress seek their first victory of the tournament. Nigeria qualified for the World Cup after winning the 2025 Women's AfroBasket and were drawn in Group B alongside France, South Korea and Hungary.
The 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup is being staged in Berlin and runs until September 13. D'Tigress previously reached the quarter-finals of the competition in 2018 in Tenerife, Spain, their best finish referenced ahead of this year's tournament.
