Nigeria’s U19 Women’s Basketball team, the Junior D’Tigress, bounced back from their Round of 16 defeat with a strong performance on Friday, defeating Argentina 68 to 58 in a classification match at the ongoing FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Brno, Czechia.
After their narrow loss to Hungary earlier in the week, the Nigerian girls returned with renewed determination as they battled for a place in the 9th to 16th bracket. They dominated the first three quarters, winning 19 to 17, 10 to 9, and 18 to 11 respectively, before settling for a 21 to 21 draw in the final quarter.
Nigeria made 71 field goal attempts and successfully converted 22. They also pulled down a commanding 50 rebounds, made 15 assists, registered 14 steals, and blocked six shots. Argentina, on the other hand, attempted 72 field goals, converting 21. They managed 37 rebounds, 19 assists, 10 steals, and seven blocks.
Leading the charge for Nigeria were Nora Ezike and captain Wandoo Hembam, who both finished with 17 points. Haminatu Ayodeji added 11 points and eight rebounds, while Idubamo Beggi and Abigail Isaac contributed eight points and eight rebounds each. Star player Toby Nweke, who had recorded double digits in the team’s last two games, was limited to five points and five rebounds.
Argentina’s standout performer was Julia Bosque with 14 points and eight rebounds. Malena Maggi and Virginia Peralta added nine and eight points respectively.
Nigeria will now face the Korea Republic in their next classification game. The Koreans had earlier defeated Brazil 87 to 80. While the race for a top 12 finish continues, the result confirms that Nigeria will not end the tournament at the bottom of the 15 participating nations.
The Junior D’Tigress will be hoping to maintain the momentum and finish strong in their final games.
