Kida Hails Junior D’Tigress For World Cup Qualification

The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engr Ahmedu Musa Kida, has congratulated the Junior D’Tigress on securing qualification for the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in China.

The Nigerian U18 women’s team booked their place at next year’s global tournament after defeating hosts Côte d’Ivoire 53-50 in a fiercely contested semi-final at the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket.

The victory also earned the Junior D’Tigress a place in the tournament’s final against Mali on Sunday.

Kida praised the players for their resilience, discipline and commitment, particularly as they overcame the home side in front of a hostile crowd.

He described the victory as a demonstration of the Nigerian spirit and commended the team for remaining focused under pressure to secure the crucial World Cup ticket.

“The girls have done very well to secure their place at the Women’s World Cup in China next year, which shows their commitment, patriotism and discipline,” Kida 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 NBBF president also acknowledged the contributions of the federation’s board to the development of Nigerian women’s basketball, noting that its leadership and investment had played an important role in the progress of the national teams.

The qualification means the Junior D’Tigress will represent Nigeria at the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in China.

Their achievement adds to a strong period for Nigerian women’s basketball, with the senior D’Tigress also set to compete at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany in September.