Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigress made a sensational debut at the 2025 FIBA U-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup, overcoming China 93-88 in Brno, Czech Republic, to secure their first-ever victory at the tournament.
Second-Half Surge Seals the Upset
Trailing 44-38 at halftime, Coach Faustina Akhere Juliana’s team staged a remarkable comeback, outscoring China 55-44 in the final two quarters. The Nigerian side, widely considered underdogs, displayed resilience and composure, especially in a tense final quarter where they tallied 32 points to China’s 28.
Star Performers
- Nora Ezike delivered a flawless U-19 debut, leading all scorers with 25 points on perfect 8-of-8 shooting, and 9-of-11 from the free-throw line. She also contributed 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals, anchoring Nigeria’s offense and defense.
- Idubamo Beggi added 18 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, playing a pivotal role in the comeback.
- Tobenna Nweke chipped in 15 points, while Jessica Ajayi and Francisca Chukwu provided 10 points and 10 rebounds respectively, ensuring a balanced team effort.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
| Quarter | Nigeria | China |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 16 | 24 |
| Q2 | 22 | 20 |
| Q3 | 23 | 16 |
| Q4 | 32 | 28 |
| Total | 93 | 88 |
Coach’s Reaction and Next Steps
Coach Faustina Akhere Juliana praised the team’s determination and execution, emphasizing the historic nature of the win. “Our girls showed heart and discipline. This victory is for Nigeria and for the future of women’s basketball in our country,” she remarked after the game.
Nigeria will look to build on this momentum as they face Canada in their next Group B fixture.
Key Statistics
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- Nigeria shot 100% from the field for Ezike, and dominated the boards with a 52-47 rebounding edge.
- China’s Ran Kejia led her side with 28 points and 12 rebounds, but it was not enough to stop the Nigerian surge in the second half.
Significance
This victory marks a major milestone for Nigerian women’s basketball, echoing the achievements of the senior D’Tigress at the Paris 2024 Olympics and signaling a bright future for the nation’s young talents.
