Nigeria’s D’Tigress are ready to bounce back against Hungary on Saturday after losing 99-81 to South Korea in their first game of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The African champions stayed close for three quarters. But South Korea took control in the fourth quarter with good ball movement and accurate shooting from long range.
Captain Amy Okonkwo led Nigeria with 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Murjanatu Musa had a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Ezinne Kalu scored 11 points and had the most assists with five. Victoria Macaulay added 10 points coming off the bench. Jihyun Park was South Korea’s top scorer with 27 points.
Okonkwo recognized that South Korea’s efficiency was hard to manage.
“Today was a tough game. South Korea is a really good team. They move the ball a lot, they shoot a lot, and today we just weren’t able to stop them in that regard,” she said.
Head coach Rena Wakama said the loss won’t shake the team’s confidence before their next matches.
“We knew our challenge today was going to be defensive. But we’ll bounce back. I’m not worried at all. I know who I have in my locker room, and I know we have enough,” Wakama said.
The coach praised South Korea for their teamwork. He noted that the Asian team made 32 assists and shot 54 percent from two-point range and 50 percent from three-point range.
“They’re super disciplined and super connected. I got to sit and watch their practice, and I commend them a lot. They play together, and they know what they want to do,” he added.
Okonkwo said the team is still hopeful for a solid performance despite the defeat.
“I believe in this team with my whole heart. I think in 2024, that was just a glimpse of what we’re capable of. I think there is no ceiling for us,” she said.
D’Tigress will play against Hungary at the Max-Schmeling-Halle in Berlin on Saturday, September 5, at 1:15 pm Nigerian time. This match is crucial for keeping their hopes alive in the tournament.
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