Basketball: NSC Hails Junior D’Tigress’ Historic World Cup Qualification
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 is contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr. Kehinde Ajayi.
NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, applauded the remarkable resilience shown by the girls in their semi-final clash against hosts Ivory Coast at the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket Championship.
That victory secured Nigeria a spot in the 2027 World Cup and Sunday’s final against Mali, Olopade said.
He said the achievement was worthy of celebration, and added that the players showed determination, discipline and composure under intense pressure.
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Olopade pointed to the team’s hard-fought 53-50 win over the Ivorians as an illustration of the squad’s depth, quality and fighting spirit.
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The director-general said the players deserved widespread praise for qualifying for the World Cup against the background of a hostile home crowd.
“I think the girls have done very well to get their place at the Women’s World Cup in China next year,” said Olopade.
He added that the feat was proof of the players’ commitment, patriotism and discipline throughout the competition.
“Now that the World Cup ticket is secured, I have no doubt they can win the AfroBasket in Sunday’s final against Mali,” he said.
Ongoing Support
Olopade also praised the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) led by Musa Kida for the increasing success of the country’s national teams.
He stressed the need to pay 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 continued support as preparations get underway for the global championship in China.
“We will make sure the girls and the NBBF get the best preparations for the World Cup like we have always done for 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.
