Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigress snapped a three-game losing streak at the ongoing 2025 FIBA U-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup with a 68–58 victory over Argentina in the 9–16 classification game.
After suffering defeats to Canada, Portugal, and Hungary in the group stage, the Nigerian side missed out on a spot in the quarterfinals but bounced back with a much-needed win to improve their final ranking in the tournament.
The Junior D’Tigress started strong and controlled the first three quarters, outscoring Argentina 19–17, 10–9, and 18–11. The final quarter ended in a 21–21 draw, sealing a solid all-around performance for the West Africans.
Nora Ezike, Nigeria’s standout performer from their opening day win against China, came alive again, matching a game-high 17 points alongside seven rebounds, a game-best three blocks, and two assists. Wandoo Marvis Hembam also contributed 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Haminatu Ayodeji chipped in with 11 points and eight rebounds.
Argentina, on the other hand, struggled offensively, with only one player hitting double digits. Julia Bosque led with 14 points, while Nerea Lagowski recorded a game-high 10 rebounds.
The victory sets up a 9–12 classification match for Nigeria against South Korea, who defeated Brazil 87–80 in their own 9–16 classification fixture.
This tournament marks Nigeria’s debut at the FIBA U-19 Women’s World Cup. They are the only African team in the competition following Mali’s withdrawal due to visa complications.
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