By Aderonke Ojo
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, on Thursday lost their second game of the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 qualifying tournament in France, falling 60–77 to Asian champions South Korea women’s national basketball team.
Korea took control early, winning the first quarter 20–16. Both teams shared the second quarter 16–16, with Korea maintaining a 36–32 lead at halftime.
On resumption, Nigeria lost the third quarter 19–22 and appeared to struggle with fatigue in the final period as Korea dominated the fourth quarter 19–9 to seal the victory.
Nigeria had expected a tough contest, as this was the third meeting between both sides at major competitions. The Nigerian side had narrowly won the previous two encounters at the Olympic Games—68–64 in 2004 and 70–69 in 2016.
Head coach Rena Wakama made several tactical changes during the game in a bid to steady her side. The defeat marked her fifth loss in 19 games in charge, having recorded 14 wins.
Korea entered the match under pressure after losing their opening game 49–76 to Germany women’s national basketball team and needed a victory to keep their hopes alive. Nigeria, on the other hand, had begun their campaign strongly with a 70–37 win over Colombia women’s national basketball team.
Statistics from the match showed Korea dominating points from turnovers (33–14) and fast-break points (15–8). Nigeria, however, had the edge in second-chance points (12–5) and points in the paint (26–20).
South Korea remain one of Asia’s most successful teams, having won 12 continental titles and making 17 appearances at the FIBA Women’s World Cup, where they finished as runners-up in 1967 and 1979. They have also appeared at the Olympic Games seven times, winning silver in 1984.
Nigeria have won seven FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles, including five consecutive championships up to 2025. The team is making its third appearance at the World Cup and reached the quarterfinals in 2018. Nigeria have also featured at the Olympics three times without winning a medal.
Later on Thursday, the Philippines women’s national basketball team will face Germany at 5 p.m., while Colombia will seek redemption against France women’s national basketball team at 8:30 p.m.
Nigeria will next play the Philippines on Saturday at 2 p.m., before facing France on Sunday at 7 p.m. They will conclude their Group D campaign against Germany on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
