FIBA U19 WWC: Nigeria vs Hungary R016 Preview

Following a third-place finish in Group B, Nigeria will face Hungary in the Round of 16 on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the Brno, Starez Arena Vodova Hall 2 by 4pm.

The Juliana Akhere-led side finished third after falling to a 79-61 defeat against Portugal in their final group stage game on Tuesday, July 15. Facing Portugal off the back of a devastating 113-42 defeat to Canada, the Nigerian side were hoping to finish the round robin stage on a high note but faltered.

Nigeria’s U19 Women’s Basketball Team in action against China in the U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup Group Phase

The Junior D’Tigress started their debut campaign at the U-19 Women’s World Cup with a 93-88 comeback victory over China on the opening day of competition, their only win in the tournament so far.

The Hungarians finished second in Group A having won two games(86-82 victory over Israel and an 81-45 victory over South Korea.) and lost one ( 79-49) to the United States of America.

Ranked 7th, Hungary have made four appearances in the U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup; in 1989, 2017 and 2019, which saw them finish eighth, ninth and tenth respectively. Their fourth and most recent outing was in 2021 where they hosted and finished as bronze medallists in third.

Hungary have had a good run in the competition so far, and will prove yet another tough opponent for Nigeria who has repeatedly struggled with turnovers, shooting, and in defence which has led to a lot of open looks for their opponents.

Hungary’s ability to drive into the paint and convert looks has seen them make 40% of their points in the paint, compared to Nigeria’s 19.3%. Hungary are 18% in points from turnovers and with Nigeria prone to making a lot of those, the Hungarians would look to capitalise on that. They are also 15.3% in breakpoints and 31% from bench players. While Nigeria are 14.3% from points from turnovers, 11.7% in breakpoints and 28% from the bench. The only area Nigeria has edged Hungary is converting second chance points with 14% compared to Hungary’s 7.7%.

The Hungarians shoot 34.1% percent from the three-point line, 49.2% from the two-point line, and 69.2 from the free throw line. The J’Tigress shot 24.2% from threes, 32.8% from the two-point line and 67% from the free throw line.

Eszter Ratkai of Hungary in action against South Korea in the U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup Group Phase

Eszter Ratkai has been the standout player in the Hungarian set up, leading in efficiency, points, and assists. Ratkai has averaged 14.7% points per game, 5.3% assists per game, 3.3% rebounds per game on 47% field goals. At 5’10, the point guard has the ability to not just shoot but create chances and separation in the perimeter.

Kinga Josepovits of Hungary in action against South Korea in the U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup Group Phase

Centre Kinga Josepovits leads the Hungarian team in rebounds with 8.3, the same as Nigeria’s rebound leader Francisca Chukwu. Hungary has effectively utilised their size to secure two wins, with Kinga Josepovits and Eszter Ratkai leading the team. However, rookies Nigeria has already demonstrated their ability to switch up and create surprises in the win against China.

The winners of the Round of 16 games advance to the Quarter-Finals, while the losers move on to the Classification Games for Places 9-16.