Nigeria’s junior D’Tigress began their campaign at the 2025 FIBA U-19 Women’s World Cup in Brno, Czechia, with a stunning 93-88 victory over Asian powerhouse China in their opening Group B fixture on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The coach Juliana Akhere-led side, who were making their debut at the biennial global showpiece, had Nora Ezike and captain Wandoo Hembam to thank as they put up massive displays to secure Nigeria’s first-ever win at the competition.

The opening quarter saw the Nigerian team display jitters, which China took full advantage of as they led by eight points for a score of 24-16 but not before Idumabo Beggi etched her name on the record books as she scored Nigeria’s first points in the history of the FIBA U-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup. The Chinese registered 19 field goal attempts and made 10, with a field goal percentage of 52.6. Nigeria, on the other hand, recorded 17 field goal attempts and made five with a 29.4 per cent shooting mark.

The second quarter saw the West Africans pick up the ante, as they won 22-20. Their performance improved slightly as they registered more field goal attempts, 21 compared to the 19 by the Chinese. However, their field goal percentage was 28.6 as against China’s 36.8, while field goals made were six as China recorded seven.

Nigeria’s fortunes turned for the better upon the start of the third quarter, as they won 23-16. Both sides registered 19 field goal attempts each, with D’Tigress making six field goals compared to seven from China. The field goal percentage saw China edge Nigeria 36.8 to 31.6.

By this stage, Nigeria was on the ascendancy and had the lead coming into the final quarter. During the fourth quarter, D’Tigress put up 20 field goal attempts compared to 18 for their opponents. Nigeria also had more field goals made, with 10, while China had eight. The field goal percentage was in favour of Nigeria with 50, while China came up with 44.4.

Nora Ezike, who recently committed her future to play for the Stanford University basketball team, led the scoring for Nigeria with 25 points, six rebounds, two steals and one block, whilst making 100 per cent of all her shots in just 21 minutes played. Idumabo Beggi chipped in with 18 points, four rebounds, five assists and one block.

Toby Nweke was not left out of the action, as she powered home 15 points, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Jessica Ajayi scored 10 points, two rebounds and three assists, while Francisca Chukwu made seven points and 10 rebounds to help Nigeria close out a famous statement victory.

Nigeria will take on Canada in her second group fixture at the World Cup later today (Sunday). The North Americans also won their opening game against European side Portugal 88-49, and a win for either side could boost their chances of reaching the knockout phase of the competition.