The magical ride has come to a painful end. Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has officially crashed out of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup currently taking place in Berlin, Germany.
The African champions suffered a heartbreaking 71–67 defeat at the hands of Hungary in their crucial Group B encounter at the Max-Schmeling-Halle, marking their second consecutive loss of the tournament.
Coach Rena Wakama’s side found themselves playing catch-up early on, struggling to match Hungary’s sharp shooting in the opening quarters. However, true to their trademark resilience, D’Tigress mounted a fierce late-game comeback, putting up an impressive 25 points in a dramatic fourth quarter to narrow the gap to just four points. Unfortunately, time ran out as Hungary held on to secure the win, sealing Nigeria’s premature exit ahead of their final group fixture against powerhouse France.
Following the devastating elimination, the players and team management took to social media to express their deep disappointment, issuing a heartfelt apology to millions of passionate Nigerian fans who rallied behind them from home and abroad.
Despite the heartbreaking early exit, D’Tigress once again showcased the fierce competitive spirit that defines African basketball on the global stage. With young talents and a formidable coaching core, the queens of the hardwood will undoubtedly regroup and bounce back stronger!
