Nigeria, Sept. 4 -- Nigeria's D'Tigress on Friday suffered an 81-99 defeat to South Korea at the FIBA Women's World Cup despite a spirited fightback led by Amy Okonkwo.

The game was closely contested in the opening quarter, with South Korea taking a 26-22 lead into the second period.

Grace Efosa converted both free throws to reduce Nigeria's deficit to six points before Pallas Kunaiyi brought the margin down to four points.

South Korea stretched its advantage to as many as nine points in the second quarter, but Nigeria fought back strongly to go into the break trailing by just three points.

South Korea led 48-45 at halftime in Berlin.

Okonkwo then produced a remarkable scoring burst, making 10 points in a row to bring Nigeria within ...