Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, the D’Tigress, suffered a 99-81 defeat to South Korea in their opening match of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026. The game took place at the Berlin Arena, marking the beginning of Nigeria’s campaign in Group B. The African champions struggled with turnovers and defensive lapses, allowing South Korea to capitalize on their errors and secure a dominant victory.

South Korea’s performance highlighted their tactical discipline and sharp execution, contrasting with Nigeria’s inconsistent play. The team’s inability to control the ball and defend perimeter shots proved costly. The result has raised concerns about Nigeria’s readiness for the tournament, with analysts pointing to the need for improved team cohesion and defensive strategies.

The loss leaves Nigeria with a challenging path ahead, as they face tougher competition in the group. Fans and experts are now focusing on how the team can regroup and improve ahead of their next matches. The outcome underscores the high level of competition in the World Cup and the pressure on Nigeria to deliver strong performances.