Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigress put on a resilient display to defeat Argentina 68-58 in the 9–16 classification round of the ongoing 2025 FIBA U-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Brno, Czechia, on Friday.
The victory marked a solid response from the Nigerian girls following their disappointing 77-51 loss to Hungary in the round of 16, which ended their hopes of contending for the world title. Under the guidance of head coach Juliana Akhere, the team regrouped and delivered a much-improved performance against a physical Argentine side.
Star forward Nora Ezike once again played a crucial role, showcasing her dominance with a game-high 17 points, along with seven rebounds and two assists. Her composure on both ends of the court helped Nigeria maintain control through key stretches of the contest.
This win is a significant boost for Nigeria, who are competing in the tournament for the first time. Prior to this encounter, the Junior D’Tigress had averaged 61.8 points, 42.3 rebounds, and 11.8 assists per game. Their free-throw shooting has been solid, with a conversion rate of 65.8%, while their two-point field goal efficiency stands at 33.1%. From beyond the arc, the team has struggled, registering a 21.2% three-point shooting average.
Against Argentina, the Nigerians showed better offensive execution and defensive coordination, improving their shooting accuracy and ball movement while containing their opponents’ fast breaks and second-chance points.
With this win, Nigeria progresses further in the classification rounds and will next face South Korea, who earned their spot by defeating Brazil 87-80. The upcoming match offers another opportunity for the Junior D’Tigress to climb the rankings and gain valuable experience on the global stage.
As debutants in the competition, Nigeria’s spirited performances continue to draw attention, and they remain determined to finish strong as they gain exposure and build momentum for the future of women’s basketball in the country.
