NSC Hails Junior D’Tigress, Targets Strong World Cup Campaign In China

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has congratulated Nigeria’s U18 women’s basketball team, the Junior D’Tigress, on securing qualification for the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup in China.

The Nigerian youngsters booked their place at the global tournament after defeating hosts Côte d’Ivoire 53-50 in a fiercely contested semi-final of the FIBA U18 Afrobasket.

The victory also earned the Junior D’Tigress a place in Sunday’s final against Mali, where they will battle for the continental title.

Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised the players for their resilience and composure in overcoming the hosts in a difficult semi-final encounter.

Olopade said the team deserved commendation for securing the World Cup ticket under challenging circumstances, while expressing confidence that the Junior D’Tigress could go a step further by defeating Mali in the final.

“The girls have done very well to secure their place at the Women’s World Cup in China next year. This shows their commitment, patriotism and discipline,” Olopade said.

“Now that the World Cup ticket has been secured, I have no doubt that they can win the Afrobasket in Sunday’s final against Mali.”

The NSC boss also commended the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), led by its president, Engineer Musa Kida, for what he described as the progressive performance of the country’s national teams, particularly the women’s sides.

He assured the Junior D’Tigress and the NBBF of the Commission’s support in preparing the team for the 2027 World Cup.

“As we have always done with every other sport, I want to assure the girls and the NBBF that the NSC will ensure they get the best preparation ahead of the World Cup in China,” he said.

“We will work closely with the NBBF to make sure the girls have an impactful campaign at the World Cup.”

The Junior D’Tigress’ qualification adds to Nigeria’s recent successes in international basketball, following the senior women’s team, D’Tigress, securing qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany.

The Junior D’Tigress will now turn their attention to Sunday’s final against Mali as they seek to crown their impressive campaign with the African title.