Igoche backs D’Tigress to rebound after loss to South Korea

By Trust Ittai 

 

 

 

Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D'Tigress, suffered a setback in their second FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament after falling to South Korea on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The Nigerian side, who opened their campaign with an emphatic 70–37 victory over Colombia, were unable to maintain the same momentum as foul trouble and an off day for some key players disrupted their rhythm.

South Korea took advantage of the situation with impressive shooting from beyond the arc, edging the first half 36–32 before pulling away to secure the win.

Reacting to the defeat, basketball promoter Mark Igoche, founder of the Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, urged the team not to be discouraged by the loss but instead use it as motivation going forward.

“Don't let this one setback bring you down. As I always say, champions aren't made in the wins, they're made in the losses,” Igoche said while encouraging the team to regroup.

He reminded the players of their earlier dominant performance against Colombia and stressed the importance of resilience.

According to him, setbacks are part of the journey to greatness.

“Fall down seven times, stand up eight. Use this as fuel to propel yourselves forward. You are not just playing for Nigeria, you are playing for the future of Nigerian basketball,” he added.

D’Tigress, led by head coach Rena Wakama, will now shift their focus to their remaining qualification games where they face Philippines, France and Germany as they aim to bounce back.