D’Tigress suffer defeat in 2026 FIBA World Cup opener

Nigerias DTigress began their 2026 FIBA Womens Basketball World Cup campaign with a 99-81 defeat to South Korea in Berlin on Friday, September 4. The African champions remained within striking distance for the opening three quarters but faded in the final period as South Korea pulled away to secure an 18-point victory.South Korea took a 26-22 lead after the opening quarter before Nigeria responded in the second period, reducing the deficit to three points at 48-45 by halftime. The Koreans maintained their advantage in the third quarter, entering the final period with a 68-62 lead.Nigeria was therefore just six points behind heading into the fourth quarter, but South Korea took control down the stretch, outscoring DTigress 31-19 to complete the victory. Jihyun Park led all scorers with 27 points, while Leeseul Kang proved particularly effective from three-point range, making six shots from beyond the arc. South Korea converted 11 of its 28 three-point attempts, compared with Nigerias six from 20. Turnovers also proved costly for DTigress, who gave the ball away 23 times, more than twice South Koreas total of 10.Nigeria captain Amy Okonkwo led her team with 20 points, while Murjanatu Musa recorded a game-high 13 rebounds. Despite several periods of resistance, DTigress were unable to complete a comeback as South Korea capitalised on Nigerias turnovers and combined disciplined ball movement with effective perimeter shooting.Coach Rena Wakama will now turn her attention to Nigerias second Group B fixture against Hungary on Saturday at 1:15 pm as DTigress seek their first victory of the tournament. Nigeria qualified for the World Cup after winning the 2025 Womens AfroBasket and were drawn in Group B alongside France, South Korea and Hungary.The 2026 FIBA Womens Basketball World Cup is being staged in Berlin and runs until September 13. DTigress previously reached the quarter-finals of the competition in 2018 in Tenerife, Spain, their best finish referenced ahead of this years tournament.The post DTigress suffer defeat in 2026 FIBA World Cup opener appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.