South Korea open World Cup with 18-point win over Nigeria’s D’Tigress

Nigeria’s D’Tigress began their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign with an 18-point defeat by South Korea in Berlin on Friday.

The African champions were beaten 99-81 in their opening Group B match after South Korea gradually established control across the four quarters.

Nigeria made a competitive start and stayed within reach during the early stages, but South Korea finished the first quarter 26-22 ahead. D’Tigress were unable to overturn that deficit in the second period, although they continued to apply pressure and prevent their opponents from building a decisive advantage.

South Korea led 48-45 at half-time, leaving Nigeria only three points behind with the game still finely balanced.

Rena Wakama’s side remained in contention after the interval, but South Korea began to create more separation as the third quarter progressed. The Koreans ended the period with a 68-62 advantage, giving them a six-point lead heading into the final 10 minutes.

Nigeria needed a strong finish to claim victory, but South Korea retained their momentum in the closing quarter. D’Tigress could not produce the comeback required, while the Koreans extended their advantage to complete a 99-81 victory.

The result gives South Korea an encouraging start to their World Cup campaign, while Nigeria will now turn their attention to a quick response in their second match.

D’Tigress face Hungary on Saturday, when Wakama’s team will attempt to return to winning ways and strengthen their position in Group B. South Korea’s next opponents will be France, described as a European powerhouse.

Nigeria’s opening defeat came despite their ability to remain competitive for long periods. They were within three points at the interval and reduced the gap to six by the end of the third quarter, but South Korea’s stronger final period proved decisive.

The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign therefore begins with disappointment for the African champions, who must recover quickly with their next fixture arriving the following day. South Korea, meanwhile, move on to a meeting with France after securing the first win of the two teams’ tournament.

The match in Berlin was the first of Nigeria’s World Cup campaign. Their immediate objective will be to produce a more effective finish against Hungary, having stayed close to South Korea through the opening three quarters but ultimately been unable to match their opponents in the final period.