D’Tigress urged to begin 2026 World Cup with victory over South Korea

Nigeria’s D’Tigress have been backed by the National Sports Commission (NSC) to make a winning start to their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign when they face South Korea in Berlin on Friday.

The reigning African champions are seeking to overcome the Asian side after South Korea defeated Nigeria at the World Cup Qualifying Tournament in France earlier this year.

D’Tigress enter the Group B fixture with confidence following a strong training camp and intensive preparations led by head coach Rena Wakama.

NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade said he was optimistic about Nigeria’s prospects in the tournament and praised the players for the discipline, patriotism and professionalism they have shown while representing their country.

He described D’Tigress as a team capable of producing their best performances on the biggest stage and called on Nigerians to support the players as they begin their World Cup campaign.

“I have no doubt that our girls will leave everything on the court in every game, starting with today’s match against the Koreans,” Olopade told the NSC media.

“That is one thing you cannot take away from D’Tigress and their coaching staff.

“I want every Nigerian to rally around the team and put them in their prayers because they definitely need all our support to have a good campaign at the World Cup.”

Friday’s contest will be the fourth meeting between Nigeria and South Korea. D’Tigress have won two of the previous three encounters, while South Korea have recorded one victory.

The result will be particularly significant for Nigeria after South Korea’s success in the qualifying tournament earlier this year. The African champions will now look to turn that disappointment into a positive start in Berlin.

Nigeria’s other Group B opponents are Hungary and European powerhouse France.

The structure of the competition means the group winners will progress directly to the quarter-finals. Teams finishing second and third will instead have to play qualification games for places in the last eight.

D’Tigress’ preparations have taken place under Wakama, with the team heading into the opening match in high spirits. The NSC believes that the squad’s work in camp has provided a solid foundation for a demanding tournament, beginning with a rematch against South Korea.

Nigeria will need to finish among the strongest teams in the group to secure the most direct route through to the quarter-finals, while the remaining sides will face an additional challenge before reaching the last eight.