Nigeria’s D’Tigress opened their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign with a 99–81 defeat to South Korea in Berlin, Germany, on Friday.
The loss means D’Tigress remain without a win in their opening game at the Women’s World Cup and further extends Nigeria’s difficult record against Asian opposition in the competition.
South Korea took control early, applying consistent offensive pressure and forcing Nigeria to play catch-up for much of the game.
D’Tigress made several attempts to reduce the deficit but struggled to produce the sustained response needed to turn the contest around. South Korea ultimately secured an 18-point victory.
The defeat puts pressure on Nigeria ahead of their next Group B fixture against Hungary.
D’Tigress will need a strong response in that encounter, with victory crucial to their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage of the tournament.
