Nigeria U19 Women’s Basketball Secure Historic FIBA World Cup Win Over China

Nigeria's Junior D'Tigress made a historic return to the FIBA U-19 Women's Basketball World Cup by defeating China 93-88 in their opening game, marking their first-ever win at the tournament after a 14-year absence. The victory was powered by standout performances from Nora Ezike, who scored 25 points on perfect shooting and dominated in just two quarters, and Idubamo Beggi, who added 18 points and key assists during Nigeria's strong second-half comeback. Nigeria overcame a halftime deficit, outscoring China 55-44 in the second half, demonstrating resilience and teamwork under head coach Juliana Akhere. This win not only boosts Nigeria's morale but also signals the rising strength and depth of youth basketball in the country as they prepare for upcoming matches against Canada and Portugal. The team's success draws inspiration from the senior D'Tigress' achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympics, fueling hopes for a deep run in the tournament. The Junior D'Tigress' balanced and energetic playstyle positions them as a formidable contender in Brno.