By Adegboyega Adeleye
Nigeria’s D’Tigress opened their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign with an 81-99 defeat to South Korea in Berlin on Friday, fading late after staying within six points entering the final quarter.
South Korea led 26-22 after the opening quarter, before the African champions responded in the second period to remain close at 48-45 at halftime.
The Koreans maintained their three-point advantage in the third quarter, leading 68-62, but produced a decisive final period to seal an 18-point victory.
Jihyun Park led all scorers with 27 points, while Leeseul Kang proved particularly dangerous from long range, making six three-pointers as South Korea finished 11 of 28 from beyond the arc.
