Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, fell to a 77-60 defeat against Asian powerhouse South Korea in their second Group D match of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne, France, on Thursday.
South Korea dominated from the outset, edging the first quarter 20-16. The second quarter remained evenly contested at 16-16, leaving halftime scores at 36-32 in Korea’s favor. Nigeria fought back in the third quarter but still trailed 19-22, entering the final period down by seven. Fatigue appeared to take its toll in the fourth, where Korea outscored Nigeria 19-9 to seal a convincing 17-point victory.
This marked the third meeting between the two sides at major international events. Nigeria had previously edged narrow wins at the Olympics—68-64 in 2004 and 70-69 in 2016—but South Korea turned the tables this time with superior execution.
Head coach Rena Wakama watched her team struggle, making multiple substitutions in an effort to stem the tide.
This loss was her fifth in 18 games in charge, against 14 wins.
Statistically, South Korea capitalized on Nigeria’s mistakes, outscoring them 33-14 in points off turnovers and 15-8 in fast-break points. Nigeria held advantages in second-chance points (12-5) and paint scoring (26-20), but it wasn’t enough to overcome Korea’s efficiency.
South Korea, ranked 15th globally and Asia’s most decorated women’s team with 12 Asian titles, entered the game needing a win after a 49-76 loss to Germany in their opener. They have appeared in 17 World Cups (with silvers in 1967 and 1979) and seven Olympics (silver in 1984).
Nigeria, fresh off a dominant 70-37 win over Colombia in their tournament debut, boasts seven Afrobasket titles—including five straight through 2025—and is competing in its third World Cup (with quarterfinal finishes in 2018) and third Olympics (no medals yet).
Later on Thursday, the Philippines face Germany at 5:00 PM local time, followed by Colombia against host France at 8:30 PM.
Nigeria’s remaining Group D schedule:
Saturday: vs. Philippines at 2:00 PM
Sunday: vs. France at 7:00 PM
Tuesday: vs. Germany at 5:00 PM
A strong recovery will be crucial for D’Tigress to secure one of the top spots and advance toward qualification for the 2026 World Cup in Berlin.
