Nigeria’s D’Tigress opened their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign with a 99–81 defeat to South Korea in Berlin on Friday.
Rena Wakama’s side made a bright start but ended the first quarter four points behind, with South Korea leading 26–22.
The African champions remained firmly in the contest in the second quarter and went into the halftime break trailing 48–45.
South Korea stretched their advantage after the interval, taking a 68–62 lead into the final quarter.
D’Tigress, however, failed to close the gap in the closing stages as the Koreans pulled away to seal an 18-point victory.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to Saturday’s clash against Hungary as they look to get their campaign back on track.
2026 FIBA WWC: D’Tigress fall to South Korea in opening game