Nigeria’s D’Tigress began their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign with an 81–99 defeat to South Korea in Berlin, Germany.

The Group B encounter was competitive for much of the first half, with Nigeria trailing by three points at halftime.

South Korea increased the pressure after the break and eventually pulled away to secure an 18-point victory.

South Korea took a 26–22 lead after the first quarter, but Nigeria responded well in the second period.

D’Tigress outscored Korea 23–22 in the second quarter, reducing the deficit slightly but still going into halftime behind 48–45.

The third quarter remained relatively close, with Korea winning it 20–17.

The biggest separation came in the final period. South Korea scored 31 points in the fourth quarter, while Nigeria managed 19, allowing Korea to finish with an 18-point victory.

Overall, South Korea outscored Nigeria 51–36 in the second half.

South Korea’s Three-Point Shooting Proves Decisive

Nigeria’s shooting numbers tell an interesting story.

D’Tigress shot 50 percent from the field, making 33 of their 66 attempts. South Korea shot 52 percent, converting 36 of 69 attempts.

Nigeria was actually more accurate when shooting for two points, making 27 of 46 attempts (59 percent), compared with South Korea’s 22 of 41 (54 percent).

In simple terms, South Korea made 14 three-pointers, while Nigeria made only six.

Amy Okonkwo was Nigeria’s leading scorer, finishing with 22 points. She shot 8-of-15 from the field and was particularly effective from three-point range, making 4 of 8 attempts.

Okonkwo accounted for four of Nigeria’s six made three-pointers and finished with an efficiency rating of 24. Her performance was one of the positives Nigeria can take from the defeat.

South Korea’s standout performer was Jihyun Park, who led all scorers with 27 points. Park also made a significant impact defensively, recording six steals, while contributing six rebounds and two assists.

D’Tigress face Hungary this Saturday September 5, before meeting France on September 7 in their remaining Group B games.