Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigress kicked off their campaign at the 2025 FIBA U-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in style, securing a hard-fought 93–88 victory over China in their opening Group B fixture on Saturday.
The young Nigerian side who were making their debut at the biennial global showpiece put on a spirited display in Czechia, overcoming a strong Chinese team to mark their presence on the global stage with a statement win.
Ezike Shines on Debut
Nora Ezike was the standout performer for Nigeria, delivering a near-perfect debut performance. The dynamic guard scored a game-high 25 points, shooting a flawless 8-of-8 from the field and converting 9-of-11 free throws. Her composure, efficiency, and clutch scoring proved vital in Nigeria’s resilient effort, especially in the final quarter.
Tobenna Nweke added 15 points with a solid showing on both ends of the court, while Jessica Ajayi contributed 10 points. Francisca Chukwu also impressed, finishing with 7 points and a team-high 10 rebounds as Nigeria battled to control the boards against a physically imposing Chinese lineup.
Historic Win for Junior D’Tigress
The victory is particularly significant as it marks Nigeria’s first-ever win in the FIBA U-19 Women’s World Cup, highlighting the progress of women’s basketball development in the country.
Head coach Faustian Akhere Juliana praised her players’ fighting spirit and tactical discipline, especially during the intense final minutes of the game, when China mounted a late rally that was ultimately thwarted by smart defensive rotations and clutch free throws.
Next Up: Canada Clash Today
With momentum on their side, Nigeria will face another stern test when they take on Canada in their second group game today Sunday July 13 by 1:30pm Nigerian time. The Canadians, known for their physical play and deep bench, will provide a different kind of challenge for the Junior D’Tigress.
The North Americans also won their opening game against European side Portugal 88-49, and a win for either side could boost their chances of reaching the knockout phase of the competition.
A win today will be historical for Nigeria, boosting their chances of qualification to the knockout stage for the first time in their history.