Nigeria is celebrating a strong start by its Junior Women’s Basketball team at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup in the Czech Republic. The team, popularly known as the Junior D’Tigress, pulled off a thrilling comeback to defeat China in their opening group match.
The National Sports Commission has since hailed the performance, describing it as a victory for belief, preparation, and Nigerian resilience.
It was a night of determination and dazzling basketball as Nigeria’s U19 women’s team stunned China with a 93–88 win in their first group game at the ongoing FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup.
The Junior D’Tigress had trailed 44–38 at halftime, but stormed back in the second half with grit and flair culminating in a dominant final quarter led by rising star, Nora Ezike.
Ezike delivered a standout performance, racking up 25 points, including 16 in the crucial fourth quarter, helping to seal a famous win for Nigeria on the global stage.
In a swift reaction, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, described the result as a “victory of belief and preparation,” praising the team for making the country proud.
Echoing that sentiment, NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, applauded the team’s discipline, technical execution, and collective spirit adding that the performance reflects the rising strength of women’s basketball in Nigeria.
The NSC also congratulated the coaching staff and stakeholders, encouraging Nigerians everywhere to rally behind the team as they chase further success in the tournament.
