Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigress will aim to bounce back and end their group stage campaign on a high when they face Portugal on Tuesday at the ongoing FIBA U-19 Women’s World Cup in Brno, Czechia.
After an electrifying debut win against China, where they claimed a thrilling 93-88 victory, the coach Juliana Akhere-led team suffered a humbling 113-42 loss to tournament favourites Canada in their second group match. The defeat left Nigeria in third place in Group B with three points, level with Portugal but behind on points difference. China sit bottom after back-to-back losses.
Tuesday’s clash offers a vital opportunity for the Nigerians to claim a second group win and secure a stronger seeding ahead of the knockout stage. All 16 participating teams progress to the round of 16, but the final group rankings will determine pairings in the next phase.
Nigeria will once again look to the trio of Nora Ezike, Idubamo Beggi, and captain Wandoo Hembam to provide the firepower and leadership required. Ezike, who had a flawless performance against China with 25 points and eight-for-eight shooting, struggled against Canada with just one point. Despite that setback, the 18-year-old Stanford University-bound forward remains a central figure in the team’s hopes.
Hembam, meanwhile, stood out in the loss to Canada, leading the team with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal. The MFM Queens star’s leadership and consistency will be key against a Portuguese side that will be full of confidence.
Portugal come into the tie after recording their first-ever World Cup victory, a convincing 75-52 win over China. Clara Silva was the standout performer, delivering a dominant 25-point, 12-rebound double-double to lift her team. The Kentucky graduate and TCU-bound forward is among the top-rated prospects in the tournament. Her presence in the paint and sharp scoring instincts make her a danger Nigeria must contain.
The Portuguese had earlier lost their opener 88-49 to Canada, exposing weaknesses Nigeria could exploit if they maintain discipline and composure. Coach Akhere will be keen to see an improved display, particularly in ball handling, after the team committed 24 turnovers against Canada.
With a win, Nigeria would likely secure second place in the group and avoid a tougher opponent in the round of 16. The Super Falcons’ youth side will need to combine defensive grit with offensive sharpness if they are to extend their dream debut in Brno.
Tip-off in Brno is expected to draw significant attention back home as fans hope the Junior D’Tigress can replicate the fighting spirit that stunned China on Day One and announce Nigeria’s arrival as a rising force in women’s youth basketball.
