FIBA U19 WWC: Nigeria Grabs Astonishing Win Against China, Gears Up for Bigger Challenge Versus Canada

As the curtain rose for Nigeria’s participation in the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup, so did the celebrations arise for Nigeria who defied the odds to beat China 93-88 and grab their maiden FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup victory on Saturday, July 12 at the Brno, Starez Arena Vodova Hall 2, Czechia.

Nigeria’s J’Tigress went into the game as the underdogs and at the start of the game, it showed, they struggled. They found it hard to get coordinated, to make field goals, to defend, and were heavily reliant on converting from the free throw line, whereas China made good of the Nigerian lapses and got a 16-24 at the end of the first quarter and a 38-44 lead at the end of the second.

Left: Team captain Hembam Wandoo in high spirits despite trailing against China in the first half of FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup.

The buzzer-beater made by team captain Hembam Wandoo to close the half, marked the start of the upset, Unfortunately, the first half was all the time she had on the floor as she went off injured but as Nigeria’s point leader with nine in the first two periods. In the third quarter, the momentum was maintained, and Power changed hands as the introduction of Nora Ezike proved highly beneficial.

Left: Nora Ezike in action against China in the FIBA U-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup. Right: Nora Ezike poses for tournament photos.

Led by head coach Juliana Akhere, the Junior Tigress found their composure, tightened defence, got better shooting looks and took a 1 point lead(61-60) at the end of the third quarter, and widened the gap to as much as 10 points at several times in the tie, ultimately winning the game 93-88.

The 18-year-old power forward, Nora Ezike, went a perfect 8 of 8 from the field and finished with an impressive 25 points, 6 boards, 4 assists and 2 steals in just the third and fourth quarter in what was her first debut for the African side. 16 of her points came in the fourth quarter – clutch.

“I am so excited as it’s an honour to represent my country and it’s so exciting to get this first win,” the Stanford University commit said after an incredible showing.

“The key to the game was sticking to what we had practised and what we said we were going to do heading into the game – as well as never giving up.

“We played good defence and kept supporting each other, while at the end of the game when you are up, you have to be able to slow down and we didn’t rush and we kept our composure.”

The victory also brought back memories of Nigeria’s Senior National Basketball Team, D’Tigress’ Olympic achievements at Paris 2024, where they became the first African nation to win two games and the first to reach the Quarter-Finals of the Games.

It was a fact not lost on Ezike who added: “I took inspiration because I went to Paris 2024 with my family and I watched Nigeria’s games.

“It was really great to see how far they went.”

Despite Nora Ezike’s headlining heroics, the victory was obtained by way of team effort. MFM Queens point guard, Idubamo Beggi, contributed 18 points, while Tobenna Nweke of Princeton University added 15 points. San Diego State University’s Jessica Ajayi and Francisca Chukwu of Nuova Pallacanestro Treviso (Italy) chipped in with 10 points and 10 rebounds respectively.

Next for Nigeria is two-time bronze medallists Canada at 13:30hrs on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

Nigeria vs Canada Preview:

Canada will face Nigeria off the back of an 88-49 victory over debutantes Portugal. Canada had as many points as China did in their loss to Nigeria(88).

Canada U19 Women’s Basketball Team

Canada’s U19 World Cup recordCoached by Marlo Davis, Canada has participated in the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup 11 times. Their first appearance was in 1985, where they finished in 8th place. In the subsequent editions of 1989, 1993, 1997, and 2001, they did not qualify.After a 12-year absence, Canada returned to the tournament in 2005 and placed ninth in both 2005 and 2007.

In 2009, they improved their performance significantly, finishing just outside the podium in 4th place.In 2011, Canada dropped to 5th place, and in 2013, they finished 7th. Their performance declined further in 2015, resulting in an 8th place finish. However, 2017 marked their best result in the tournament to date, as they won the bronze medal, finishing in 3rd place. In the 2019 edition held in Thailand, they were unable to replicate that success, finishing in 6th place. In 2021, they again finished in 5th place.

Most recently, in the 2023 tournament, Canada secured their second bronze medal, finishing in third place.