In their second match of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualification tournament in Lyon, France on Thursday, the South Korean women’s national basketball team defeated the African champions Nigeria women’s national basketball team 77–60. The game, which took place at the Astroballe Arena, put an end to Nigeria’s winning streak, which began when they lost to the US women’s national basketball team in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Summer Olympics.The starting lineup that defeated the Colombia women’s national basketball team in the first game was maintained by head coach Rena Wakama. The competition was began by Amy Okonkwo, Elizabeth Balogun, Promise Amukamara, Murjanatu Musa, and Ezinne Kalu, but the Nigerian team found it difficult to stop South Korea’s efficient perimeter shooting.Nigeria found it difficult to match South Korea’s shooting rhythm as they gained the lead early in the first quarter, winning 20–16 thanks to long-range baskets. Both sides scored 16 points in the second quarter, which was more evenly distributed, but the Koreans held onto their lead to lead 36–32 at the half.overlay-clevercloseLogo Nigeria’s offense was led by Victoria Macaulay, who scored 15 of the team’s 32 points prior to halftime. The D’Tigress managed to keep within striking distance of their rivals thanks to three points each from Okonkwo and Kalu.
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