Nigeria’s U-19 women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, etched their name into history with a resounding 93-88 victory over China in their debut at the 2025 FIBA U-19 Women’s World Cup held in Brno, Czechia. This stunning upset against an established Asian powerhouse marked Nigeria’s first-ever win at this prestigious biennial tournament, setting the stage for a potentially historic campaign. Led by coach Juliana Akhere, the team showcased resilience and talent, overcoming initial jitters to deliver a remarkable performance, spearheaded by standout contributions from Nora Ezike and captain Wandoo Hembam. The victory ignited hopes and expectations for the burgeoning Nigerian basketball program on the global stage.

The game unfolded in a dramatic fashion, with China capitalizing on Nigeria’s initial nerves in the first quarter. The Chinese team’s efficient shooting, converting 10 of their 19 field goal attempts for a 52.6% accuracy, propelled them to an eight-point lead (24-16). Despite the deficit, Idumabo Beggi made history by scoring Nigeria’s inaugural points in the U-19 World Cup. Nigeria struggled offensively, converting only 5 of 17 field goal attempts (29.4%). However, this initial setback served as a catalyst for the D’Tigress, who regrouped and mounted a determined comeback.

The second quarter witnessed a shift in momentum as Nigeria began to find their rhythm, outscoring China 22-20. While their shooting percentage marginally improved to 28.6%, converting 6 of 21 attempts, their increased aggression and improved defensive efforts helped them claw back into the game. China maintained their offensive efficiency, hitting 7 of 19 attempts for a 36.8% field goal percentage. The halftime score reflected a closer contest, setting the stage for an electrifying second half.

The third quarter proved pivotal as Nigeria’s performance reached another level. They outscored China 23-16, demonstrating improved shooting accuracy (31.6%) and a stifling defense that disrupted the Chinese offense. While both teams attempted 19 field goals, Nigeria converted 6 compared to China’s 7. This impressive surge not only erased the deficit but also gave Nigeria their first lead of the game, injecting a renewed sense of confidence as they entered the final quarter.

The fourth quarter became a showcase of Nigeria’s resilience and offensive firepower. The D’Tigress unleashed a barrage of shots, attempting 20 field goals and converting an impressive 10, for a 50% field goal percentage. China, despite their efforts, could only manage 8 field goals out of 18 attempts (44.4%). This offensive explosion solidified Nigeria’s control over the game, allowing them to maintain a comfortable lead and secure a historic victory. The final buzzer signaled not just a win, but a statement of intent from the young Nigerian team.

Nora Ezike, who recently committed to Stanford University, delivered a dominant performance, leading all scorers with 25 points, shooting a perfect 100% from the field. Her contributions extended beyond scoring, with 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block, all achieved in just 21 minutes of play. Idumabo Beggi, who scored Nigeria’s first points in the tournament, also contributed significantly with 18 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and a block. The collective effort of the team was evident with Toby Nweke adding 15 points, Jessica Ajayi scoring 10 points, and Francisca Chukwu grabbing 10 rebounds. This all-around performance underscored the team’s depth and potential.

The victory against China set the stage for a crucial encounter against Canada, another formidable opponent who comfortably defeated Portugal in their opening game. A win against Canada would significantly boost Nigeria’s chances of progressing to the knockout stages, solidifying their position as a rising force in international women’s basketball. The performance against China not only marked a historic win but also served as a testament to the growth and development of the Nigerian basketball program, signaling a bright future for the D’Tigress on the global stage.

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