Nigeria’s U-19 women’s basketball team, the Junior Tigress, made history on Saturday by securing its first-ever win at the FIBA U-19 Women’s World Cup, beating China 93-88 in their Group B fixture in Czechia.
China started strong, winning the first quarter 24-16, putting Nigeria on the back foot early in the game.
Nigeria responded in the second quarter, outscoring China 22-20 and narrowing the deficit heading into halftime.
The third quarter was decisive, with Nigeria taking control through a 23-16 performance that shifted momentum in their favour.
In a tense final quarter, Nigeria sealed the win with a 32-28 flourish, marking their first ever FIBA World Cup victory.
In a thrilling encounter, J’Tigress defied pre-tournament expectations, achieving a well-deserved victory despite being widely regarded as underdogs.
Nigeria now aims to build on this momentum when they take on Canada on Sunday in their next Group B match in Czechia.