NSC Backs D’Tigress To Beat South Korea In World Cup Opener

Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, will begin their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign against South Korea in Berlin on Friday, September 4, with the National Sports Commission (NSC) expressing confidence in the team’s ability to secure victory.

The reigning African champions are heading into the tournament with strong preparations under head coach Rena Wakama after completing an intensive training camp. Their opening fixture, however, presents a familiar challenge, as South Korea defeated Nigeria during the World Cup Qualifying Tournament in France earlier this year.

D’Tigress will be looking to put that defeat behind them and make a positive start to their World Cup campaign.

NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances, praising the players and coaching staff for their discipline, professionalism and commitment to representing the country on the international stage.

According to Olopade, D’Tigress have consistently demonstrated their ability to raise their performance when competing in major tournaments, and he believes the team can deliver another strong showing in Berlin.

He urged the players to give their best against South Korea and encouraged Nigerians to rally behind the team with their support and prayers throughout the competition.

The encounter will be the fourth meeting between Nigeria and South Korea, with D’Tigress currently holding the advantage in their head-to-head record after winning two of their previous three encounters.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group B alongside South Korea, Hungary and European powerhouse France, setting up a challenging route to the knockout stages.

The team that finishes top of the group will advance directly to the quarter-finals, while the second- and third-placed teams will have to win qualification games to secure places in the last eight.

With the tournament representing another opportunity for D’Tigress to showcase their strength on the global stage, the Nigerian side will be hoping to begin their campaign on a winning note against South Korea.