Nigeria suffer second Women’s World Cup defeat as Hungary withstand late surge

Nigeria’s D’Tigress lost 71-67 to Hungary at the Max-Schmeling-Halle, leaving the African champions with two defeats from their opening two Group B matches at the Women’s World Cup.

Hungary led from the first quarter and held on despite a determined Nigerian fightback in the closing stages. The victory was Hungary’s first at the Women’s World Cup in 28 years.

Nigeria are now 0-2 after also losing 99-81 to South Korea on Friday. Their slow start against Hungary again proved costly, with the European side establishing control early and managing the game effectively when the contest tightened.

Hungary took the opening quarter 21-13 and extended their advantage to 36-26 by half-time. D’Tigress, coached by Rena Wakama, improved after the interval as Murjanatu Musah scored three successive baskets.

Captain Amy Okonkwo then made two three-pointers, while Ezinne Kalu added a lay-up. However, Hungary maintained a 52-42 lead heading into the final period.

Nigeria outscored Hungary 25-19 in the fourth quarter and created genuine pressure late on. Elizabeth Balogun and Victoria Macaulay helped drive the comeback, with Balogun’s lay-up reducing the deficit to two points.

Hungary responded through Reka Lelik, who made two free throws to settle the contest and secure a 71-67 win.

Okonkwo led Nigeria with 17 points, six rebounds and two assists. Balogun contributed 13 points, while Kalu finished with 11 points and a game-high nine assists.

Macaulay added 11 points from the bench in 17 minutes, and Musah finished with 10 points and four rebounds.

Nigeria’s opening two games have followed a similar pattern. They were within reach of South Korea at half-time before losing heavily, while against Hungary they recovered from another difficult start and came within two points in the final quarter.

Hungary’s superior shooting efficiency and ability to protect their lead in the closing minutes proved decisive. Nigeria’s late rally offered encouragement to Wakama’s coaching staff, but their second defeat leaves them with no room for error.

D’Tigress will face Group B leaders France on Monday, 7 September. France have already beaten Hungary and South Korea.

Victory against France would keep Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. Another defeat, however, would end their campaign in the group stage. France are unlikely to provide Nigeria with the same opportunity to recover late in the game that Hungary almost allowed them.