Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, fell to a 77-60 defeat against Asian champions North Korea in their second Group D match at the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in France on Thursday.
The loss leaves Coach Rena Wakama’s side with a 1-1 record after thrashing Colombia 70-37 in their opening game. Korea improved to 1-1 following an earlier heavy loss to Germany.
Match Breakdown
Korea took control from the first quarter, winning it 20-16. The second quarter was evenly contested (16-16), leaving the halftime score at 36-32 in favour of the Asians.
Nigeria struggled after the break, losing the third quarter 22-19 and completely collapsing in the fourth, where Korea outscored them 19-9. Fatigue clearly set in as the Nigerians could not maintain the intensity against a disciplined Korean side.
Key Stats
- Points off turnovers: Korea 33 – Nigeria 14
- Fast-break points: Korea 15 – Nigeria 8
- Second-chance points: Nigeria 12 – Korea 5
- Points in the paint: Nigeria 26 – Korea 20
- Korea’s superior ball movement and transition game proved decisive.
Historical Context
This was the third meeting between the two nations. Nigeria had previously edged Korea twice at the Olympics — 68-64 in 2004 and a dramatic 70-69 victory in 2016. However, the Koreans were far more clinical this time around.
North Korea, ranked 15th in the world, boast an impressive pedigree: 12 Asian titles, two World Cup silver medals (1967, 1979), and Olympic silver in 1984. Nigeria, meanwhile, remain Africa’s dominant force with seven Afrobasket titles (including five consecutive wins up to 2025) and are appearing at the World Cup for the third time.
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Coach Rena Wakama’s Reaction
The Nigerian bench was visibly stunned as Wakama stared into space while making multiple substitutions. The defeat is only her fifth loss in 18 games in charge (14 wins). She will now look to regroup quickly ahead of a tough remaining schedule.
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Upcoming Fixtures (Group D)
- Today (March 13): Philippines vs Germany – 5:00 PM
- Today (March 13): Colombia vs France – 8:30 PM
- Saturday, March 15: Nigeria vs Philippines – 2:00 PM
- Sunday, March 16: Nigeria vs France – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday, March 18: Nigeria vs Germany – 5:00 PM
D’Tigress must secure at least one more win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
