The commendation followed the team’s impressive 53-50 victory over hosts Ivory Coast in the semi-final of the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket Championship.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr Kehinde Ajayi, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade described the achievement as a testament to the players’ resilience, discipline and determination.
The victory not only secured Nigeria a place at next year’s global championship but also sent Junior D’Tigress into the AfroBasket final, where they will face Mali on Sunday.
Olopade commended the players for maintaining their composure despite the pressure of playing against the host nation and in front of a passionate home crowd.
He said the hard-fought victory demonstrated the quality, depth and fighting spirit within the Nigerian squad.
“The girls have done very well to secure their place at the Women’s World Cup in China next year,” Olopade said.
According to the NSC boss, qualifying for the World Cup under such difficult circumstances made the achievement even more significant. He noted that the players displayed commitment and patriotism throughout the tournament and deserved recognition for their performance.
The victory over Ivory Coast was particularly important because the hosts had the advantage of playing before their home supporters. However, Junior D’Tigress remained composed in the decisive stages to secure a narrow three-point victory and punch their ticket to the global tournament.
Olopade Backs Junior D’Tigress to Win AfroBasket
With qualification for the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup already secured, Olopade has now challenged the team to go a step further by winning the continental title.
The NSC director-general expressed confidence in the players ahead of their final against Mali, believing that the same determination that carried them past Ivory Coast can help them claim the championship.
“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 final will provide Junior D’Tigress with an opportunity to cap an impressive campaign on a high note. Beyond the immediate prize of continental glory, the tournament has also given the young players valuable international experience ahead of their appearance at the World Cup in China.
NSC Promises Continued Support
Olopade also applauded the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), under the leadership of Musa Kida, for its contribution to the development and growing success of Nigeria’s national basketball teams.
He particularly stressed the importance of continuing to invest in the country's women’s national teams, noting that sustained support and proper preparation will be crucial as the players progress to the global stage.
The NSC director-general assured Junior D’Tigress and the NBBF that the commission would provide the necessary backing as preparations for the World Cup begin.
“As we have always done with every other sport, I want to assure the girls and the NBBF of the best preparations ahead of the World Cup,” he said.
Olopade further pledged that the NSC would work closely with the federation to ensure the team is adequately prepared for the demands of the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup.
The qualification represents another encouraging moment for Nigerian women’s basketball and highlights the potential of the country’s emerging generation of players. With the World Cup ticket secured, attention now turns to the AfroBasket final against Mali, where Junior D’Tigress will look to complete their campaign with another major victory.