The National Sports Commission (NSC) has congratulated Nigeria’s U-18 women’s basketball team, Junior D’Tigress for qualifying for the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup in China.
The commendation came in a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr. Kehinde Ajayi.
Bukola Olopade, the Director-General of the NSC, hailed the girls’ incredible resilience in their semi-final encounter against hosts Ivory Coast at the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket Championship.
The victory secured Nigeria’s place at the 2027 World Cup and also earned the team a berth in Sunday’s final against Mali, Olopade said.
He said the achievement was worth celebrating, adding that the players showed determination, discipline and composure under intense pressure.
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Olopade cited the team’s hard-fought 53-50 win over the Ivorians as an example of the squad’s depth, quality and fighting spirit.
The players deserve widespread praise for qualifying for the World Cup against the background of a hostile home crowd, the director-general said.
“I think the girls have done very well to get their place at the Women’s World Cup in China next year,” Olopade said.
“It’s a testament to the players’ commitment, patriotism and discipline throughout the competition,” he added.
“With the World Cup ticket secured, I have no doubt they can win the AfroBasket on Sunday in the final against Mali,” he said.
Continuous Support
Olopade also commended the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) led by Musa Kida for the growing success of the country’s national teams.
He emphasized the need to give special attention to the development and performance of Nigeria’s women’s national basketball teams.
The NSC DG assured the players and the federation of the continued support as preparations get underway for the global championship in China.
“I want to assure the girls and the NBBF of the best preparations ahead of the World Cup as we have always done with all other sports,” he said.
Olopade assured the NBBF that the commission would work closely with the body to ensure the team mounts a strong and impactful campaign at the tournament.