D’Tigress Suffer Second World Cup Defeat in 71-67 Loss to Hungary

Nigeria’s D’Tigress came close to overturning a 10-point deficit against Hungary, but Reka Lelik’s late free throws secured a 71-67 victory for Hungary at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.

Hungary led 21-13 after the opening quarter and extended the advantage to 36-26 by halftime. Elizabeth Balogun’s fast-break layup helped Nigeria reduce the gap, but a late basket by Dorka Juhász restored Hungary’s 10-point lead.

Nigeria responded after halftime. Murjanatu Musa scored three consecutive baskets, Amy Okonkwo added two three-pointers and Ezinne Kalu made a layup. Hungary still led 52-42 entering the final quarter.

D’Tigress outscored Hungary 25-19 in the fourth. Balogun and Victoria Macaulay led the rally, and Balogun’s late layup brought Nigeria within two points. Lelik then converted two free throws to seal Hungary’s first World Cup victory in 28 years.

Okonkwo led Nigeria with 17 points and six rebounds. Balogun scored 13 points, while Kalu added 11 points and nine assists. Macaulay scored 11 and Musa 10. Juhász led Hungary with 19 points and 16 rebounds, and Virág Takács-Kiss contributed 17 points and 14 rebounds.

In another result, Mali stunned world No. 6 Spain 82-73 for its second Women’s World Cup victory and first against European opposition. Sika Koné recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds for her fifth consecutive double-double. Nigeria will play France in its final Group B game on Monday, Sept. 7.