By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
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 girls earned the World Cup ticket after defeating hosts Côte d’Ivoire 53-50 in a keenly contested semi-final at the ongoing FIBA U19 AfroBasket.
The victory also secured the Junior D’Tigress a place in the tournament’s final against Mali on Sunday.
Reacting to the achievement, NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the team for demonstrating resilience and determination, particularly while playing against the host nation.
Olopade also praised the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), led by its President, Engr. Musa Kida, for what he described as the progressive success of the country’s national teams, especially the women’s teams.
“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.
“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,” he said.
The NSC boss assured the team and the NBBF of the Commission’s commitment to providing the necessary support and preparations ahead of 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 of preparations ahead of the World Cup in China.
“We will work closely with the NBBF to make sure the girls have an impactful campaign at the World Cup,” Olopade added.
The qualification of the Junior D’Tigress represents another major achievement for Nigerian basketball on the international stage, coming after the senior women’s national team, D’Tigress, secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Germany, scheduled for September.
The NSC said the latest feat further underscores the growing progress of Nigeria’s women’s basketball teams.
