AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s D’Tigress opened their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign with an 81–99 defeat to South Korea at the Uber Arena in Berlin on Friday.
South Korea made the stronger start, taking a 26–22 lead after the opening quarter. Nigeria responded in the second period, winning it 23–22 to reduce the deficit to three points at half-time, with Korea leading 48–45.
D’Tigress remained within touching distance in the third quarter, but South Korea edged the period 20–17 to take a 68–62 advantage into the final quarter.
Nigeria struggled to contain Korea in the final 10 minutes, as the Asian side pulled away with a dominant 31–19 fourth quarter to secure the 99–81 victory.
Amy Okonkwo led Nigeria with 22 points, while Jihyun Park was South Korea’s standout performer with a game-high 27 points.
The major difference came from three-point shooting. South Korea converted 14 of 28 attempts (50%) from beyond the arc, compared with Nigeria’s 6 of 20 (30%).
Coach Rena Wakama started the game with Promise Amukamara, Ezinne Kalu, Elizabeth Balogun, Amy Okonkwo and Murjanatu Musa.
The defeat marks a disappointing return to the World Cup for D’Tigress, who are making their first appearance at the tournament since 2018. It also continues South Korea’s recent dominance over Nigeria after their 77–60 victory in the March qualifier in Lyon.
Nigeria had previously won the two senior meetings before that defeat, beating South Korea 70–69 in the 2016 Olympic qualifying tournament and 68–64 at the 2004 Olympics.
D’Tigress will have little time to recover, with Hungary next up on Saturday before their final Group B game against France on Monday.
D’Tigress will now look to bounce back against Hungary and get their first win of the tournament.
