Canada etched their name in basketball history with a dominant 113-42 victory over Nigeria at the 2025 FIBA U-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup held in Brno, Czech Republic. Their performance was highlighted by an unprecedented display of long-range shooting, shattering the tournament record for the most three-pointers made in a single game, across both men’s and women’s competitions. The Canadians sank an astounding 20 three-pointers, surpassing the previous record of 19 shared by Japan’s women and the USA’s men. This remarkable feat showcased their exceptional ball movement, pinpoint accuracy, and the depth of their scoring threat, with eight different players contributing from beyond the arc. Agot Makeer spearheaded the Canadian offensive, sinking five of her seven three-point attempts and accumulating a game-high 18 points.
The Canadians’ offensive onslaught began early, quickly establishing a double-digit lead that Nigeria struggled to overcome. Mila Holloway orchestrated the Canadian attack, dishing out nine assists and consistently finding open teammates for quality scoring opportunities. Nigeria’s defense struggled to contain Canada’s relentless ball movement and precise shooting, allowing them to establish a commanding lead that they maintained throughout the game. This historic performance solidified Canada’s position as a tournament favorite and highlighted their exceptional offensive capabilities.
The sheer volume of three-pointers made by Canada not only broke the existing record but also eclipsed several notable performances from previous tournaments. These included Japan’s 16 three-pointers against Italy in both 2011 and 2023, and Australia’s identical tally against Argentina in 2023. Canada’s previous best of 15 three-pointers, achieved against Egypt in 2023, was also significantly surpassed, placing their achievement firmly atop the all-time list for three-point field goals in a single FIBA U-19 World Cup game. This record-breaking performance significantly elevated Canada’s standing in the competition and signaled their intent to contend for the championship.
For Nigeria, the resounding defeat came as a stark contrast to the jubilation of their historic opening-day victory against China. Their 93-88 win marked Nigeria’s first-ever triumph at the U-19 World Cup, sparking comparisons to the senior women’s team’s impressive quarter-final run at the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, the elation of their initial victory was short-lived as they were comprehensively outplayed by a superior Canadian team. The loss exposed areas of weakness within the Nigerian squad, particularly on the defensive end, and highlighted the gulf in experience and execution between the two teams.
Despite the heavy defeat, Nora Ezike remained a bright spot for Nigeria. Following her impressive 25-point debut against China, she continued to be a key contributor, averaging 13 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Ezike’s performance demonstrated leadership and composure beyond her years, offering a glimmer of hope for Nigeria’s future prospects. Other players like Francisca Chukwu and Wandoo Marvis Hembam also made positive contributions, but their efforts were ultimately insufficient to counteract Canada’s overwhelming offensive firepower.
Looking ahead, Nigeria faces a crucial match against Portugal in their final group game. While the path to the knockout phase remains mathematically possible, Nigeria will need to significantly improve their defensive discipline and composure against high-quality opposition. Head coach Aderemi Adewunmi will be tasked with addressing the defensive frailties exposed by the Canadian onslaught and fostering greater offensive consistency. Meanwhile, Canada sits atop the group and has emerged as a strong contender for the title. Their exceptional perimeter shooting, depth of talent, and cohesive team play have set them apart in the early stages of the tournament. While Nigeria aims to reignite their World Cup campaign, Canada will strive to maintain their dominant form and solidify their position as the team to beat.
