Nigeria secures first FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup win
Ezike’s perfect game powers Junior D'Tigress past China in Brno
The Nigerian U19 women’s basketball team carved their names into the history books with a thrilling 93–88 victory over China, marking their first-ever win at the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup.
The emotional final buzzer ignited jubilation not just on the court—but across the continent—as African basketball scaled new heights on a landmark day in Brno.
The victory came in the face of modest expectations, with Nigeria widely seen as underdogs. Yet, the team’s poise and fighting spirit defied every prediction.
Leading the charge was debutant Nora Ezike, who delivered an extraordinary performance in her national team debut—going a flawless 8-of-8 from the field and amassing 25 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
‘It’s an honor to represent my country,’ Ezike said postgame. ‘We stuck to our plan, kept our composure, and never gave up.’
Ezike revealed she drew inspiration from Nigeria’s senior women’s team, D’Tigress, who had made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by becoming the first African nation to win two games and reach the quarter-finals.
‘I watched Nigeria in Paris with my family,’ she added. ‘Seeing how far they went motivated me deeply.’
Throughout the contest, Nigeria displayed tactical discipline, defensive grit, and clutch execution in key moments. The team slowed the tempo effectively in the closing minutes to seal the win, showcasing composure far beyond their experience.
With their maiden victory secured, Nigeria now turns its focus to sustaining momentum and making deeper strides in the competition—no longer just participants, but pioneers.
