Nigeria’s U-18 women’s basketball team, Junior D’Tigress, has qualified for the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup in China, earning the instant praise of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The commission’s commendation is contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr Kehinde Ajayi.

NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, said the Nigerian girls displayed remarkable resilience in their semi-final clash against hosts Ivory Coast at the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket Championship.

Olopade said the victory secured Nigeria’s place at the 2027 World Cup and also earned the team a berth in Sunday’s final against Mali.

He described the achievement as worthy of celebration, noting that the players demonstrated determination, discipline and composure under intense pressure.

He highlighted the team’s hard-fought 53-50 victory over the Ivorians as evidence of the squad’s depth, quality and fighting spirit.

The director-general said the players deserved widespread praise for qualifying for the World Cup against the backdrop of a hostile home crowd.

“The girls have done very well to secure their place at the Women’s World Cup in China next year,” Olopade said.

He added that the feat reflected the players’ commitment, patriotism and discipline throughout the competition.

“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.

Olopade also commended the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), led by Musa Kida, for the growing success of the country’s national teams.

He stressed the need to pay particular attention to the development and performance of Nigeria’s women’s national basketball teams.

The NSC DG assured the players and the federation of continued support as preparations begin for the global championship in China.

“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 pledged that the commission would work closely with the NBBF to ensure the team mounts a strong and impactful campaign at the tournament. (Adapted from a NAN report)

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