Nigeria D’Tigress’ Late Fightback Falls Short Against Hungary
Nigeria outscored Hungary 25–19 in the fourth quarter but could not erase a 10-point deficit, falling 71–67 for a second straight defeat at the World Cup.
Nigeria’s D’Tigress suffered a second consecutive defeat at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after falling 71–67 to Hungary in their Group B clash in Berlin.
After losing 99–81 to South Korea in their opening game, Nigeria struggled to gain control against a Hungary side that had also entered the contest looking for its first win.
First Half: Hungary Take Control
Hungary made the stronger start, taking the first quarter 21–13 as Nigeria struggled to find consistency offensively.
The second quarter followed a similar pattern, with Hungary edging it 15–13 to take a 36–26 lead into halftime.
Nigeria's shooting was a major issue, with D’Tigress eventually finishing the game at 35% from the field, compared with Hungary's 51%.
Third Quarter: D’Tigress Fail to Close the Gap
Nigeria began the second half with a four-point run, briefly raising hopes of a comeback.
Hungary responded with a five-point run of its own, however, and Nigeria could not make any meaningful dent in the deficit.
Both teams scored 16 points in the third quarter, leaving Hungary with the same 10-point advantage heading into the final period at 52–42.
Fourth Quarter: D’Tigress’ Late Fightback Falls Short
Nigeria finally found the offensive spark it had been searching for in the fourth quarter, outscoring Hungary 25–19.
The D’Tigress cut the deficit to four points, but their late resurgence came too late as Hungary held on for a 71–67 victory.
Nigeria finished the game with a 35% field-goal shooting rate, including 39% from two-point range and 28% from three-point range. They also shot 52% from the free-throw line.
Hungary, meanwhile, shot 51% overall, 59% on two-pointers and 29% from three, while converting 58% of its free throws.
Despite the defeat, Nigeria had a significant advantage in turnovers, committing just 11 compared with Hungary's 26. The D’Tigress also recorded more steals, 15–5.
However, Hungary dominated the boards, winning the overall rebounding battle 48–31 and the defensive rebounding battle 38–19.
Nigeria recorded 12 offensive rebounds to Hungary's 10, while the two teams were separated by just one assist, with Hungary finishing on 19 and Nigeria on 18.
D’Tigress also recorded two blocks to Hungary's three and committed 20 fouls compared with Hungary's 24.
Final Score
Hungary 71–67 Nigeria
Quarter scores:
Q1: Hungary 21–13 Nigeria
Q2: Hungary 15–13 Nigeria
Q3: Hungary 16–16 Nigeria
Q4: Hungary 19–25 Nigeria
Final: Hungary 71–67 Nigeria
What’s Next?
D’Tigress will face France 🇫🇷 in their final Group B game.
🗓️ September 7, 2026
🏀 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, Group B
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