Nigeria’s D’Tigress have been handed an immediate World Cup warning after opening their campaign with a 99-81 defeat to Korea in Berlin.
Korea controlled the decisive stretches of the contest, with Nigeria staying competitive through the first half before the margin widened late.
Korea led 26-22 after the opening quarter, but D’Tigress answered in the second, edging that period 23-22 to remain within touching distance at halftime.
The contest stayed tight enough through the third quarter, which Korea won 20-17.
Then came the separation.
Korea produced a 31-19 fourth quarter, turning a manageable gap into an 18-point final margin and leaving Nigeria with an immediate Group B response problem.
The final score, Korea 99-81 Nigeria, now changes the pressure around Nigeria’s next game.
D’Tigress face Hungary on 5 September, before completing the group phase against France.
That leaves little room for Nigeria to carry Friday’s defeat into the next contest.
The opening loss does not end the campaign, but it sharpens the consequences around Hungary.
Nigeria must recover quickly, tighten the defensive execution that allowed Korea to finish strongly and produce a more controlled fourth quarter if they are to prevent the pressure from escalating.
The African champions came into Berlin with pedigree and expectation.
Now the tournament has delivered its first test.
Korea landed the opening blow. Hungary is where D’Tigress must answer.
Cranse Sports
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