NIGERIA JUNIOR D’TIGRESS MAKES HISTORY WITH STUNNING COMEBACK WIN OVER CHINA

Junior D’Tigress stun China with a thrilling comeback in their FIBA U19 World Cup debut.

Nigeria Basketball Sports History Comeback win D’tigress.
Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigress Team
Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigress Team


In a fearless display of grit, guts, and growth, Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigress defied expectations and made global headlines with a dramatic 93–88 comeback win over powerhouse China at the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in their very first appearance in the tournament.


Entering the game as underdogs and debutants, the African champions didn’t flinch when they fell behind early. Down 24–16 after the first quarter and trailing 44–38 at the half, the young Nigerian squad found their rhythm late in the second quarter with a long-awaited three-pointer, their first after 15 straight misses from beyond the arc.

The second half belonged to Nigeria, and especially to the electrifying Nora Ezike. Held scoreless in the first half, Ezike exploded for 25 points in the second, igniting the team’s comeback and lifting the squad past a stunned Chinese side.

With renewed defensive energy and smoother offensive execution, the Junior D’Tigress outscored China 55–44 in the final two quarters, showcasing maturity beyond their years and a refusal to be intimidated by reputation.

China, a traditional heavyweight in youth basketball, struggled to respond as Nigeria tightened up defensively and began raining points on the other end.

This landmark win signals more than just a debut victory; it’s a declaration of intent. The Junior D’Tigress are not in Spain to participate; they are here to compete.

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