D’Tigress vow to bounce back after South Korea defeat

Nigeria’s D’Tigress have promised to return stronger when they face Hungary on Saturday after suffering a 99-81 defeat to South Korea in their opening game of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany.

The result was a difficult start for the African champions, who struggled to contain a disciplined South Korean side that moved the ball efficiently and punished Nigeria’s defensive lapses throughout the game.

Captain Amy Okonkwo admitted that South Korea’s movement and shooting proved difficult for D’Tigress to handle.

“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,” Okonkwo said after the game.

Head coach of D’Tigress Rena Wakama also acknowledged that his team knew the challenge that awaited them, having faced South Korea two months earlier.

According to her, South Korea’s cohesion and discipline made the difference, with the Asian side recording an impressive 32 assists while shooting 54 percent from a two-point range and 50 percent from beyond the arc.

“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,” the coach said.

The coach also stressed the importance of continuing to fight until the final buzzer, particularly in a FIBA tournament where points differential could prove decisive in determining standings.

“Every point and every possession matters,” she said, explaining that she was also conscious of guiding some of the younger members of the squad through the pressure of World Cup basketball.

While acknowledging South Korea’s performance, the coach said there was little surprise in their approach compared with their previous meeting.

“They’re super disciplined and super connected. I got to sit and watch their practice, and I commend them a lot,” Wakama said.

“They play together, and they know what they want to do. They’re very intentional with what they want to do. So, if your defence is not clicking that day, or your communication is not clicking, it’s going to be a long night.”

Despite the setback, Okonkwo insisted that D’Tigress remain confident in their ability to turn their campaign around, drawing inspiration from their impressive run at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

“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 declared.

“This is just one game, and tomorrow is another opportunity for us to go out there and show the world what we are capable of.”

With Saturday’s clash against Hungary now looming, D’Tigress will need a major defensive improvement if they are to get their World Cup campaign back on track.

Okonkwo stated that, the defeat has not dented the team’s belief.

“Like Coach said, I believe in everyone in our locker room, and we’re all that we need. I really believe that tomorrow is another opportunity. So we’ll come out and fight, just like we did today.”