D’Tigress Fall to South Korea in World Cup Opener

Nigeria D’Tigress began their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign with a 99-81 defeat to South Korea in Berlin, despite a strong opening and several close stretches.

The African champions opened with a 6-0 run, but South Korea recovered to lead 26-22 after the first quarter. Nigeria edged the second period 23-22, leaving South Korea ahead 48-45 at halftime.

Amy Okonkwo then drove Nigeria’s response in the third quarter, scoring 10 points as D’Tigress narrowed the gap to one point at 59-58. South Korea answered again, taking a 68-62 advantage into the final quarter before pulling away with a 31-19 finish.

Jihyun Park led all scorers with 27 points. Nigeria’s 20 turnovers proved costly. Okonkwo added seven rebounds and three assists, while Ezinne Kalu scored 11 points and made five assists. Victoria Macaulay contributed 10 points.

Murjanatu Musa recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds, including nine offensive rebounds. She became only the fourth Nigerian to post a World Cup double-double, joining Mfon Udoka, Evelyn Akhator and Itoro Umoh. Her 13 rebounds also matched Akhator’s Nigerian record for rebounds in a World Cup game. D’Tigress will seek redemption against Hungary in their next Group B match.