Nigeria’s U18 women’s basketball team, the J’Tigress, delivered a remarkable performance at the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket in Pretoria, South Africa. Though they fell short in the final against a dominant Mali team, the young athletes fought hard and walked away with a silver medal, marking a significant achievement for Nigeria on the continental stage. Their performance also qualified them for the 2025 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup.
Idubamo Beggi: A Star Emerges
One of the tournament’s brightest stars was Idubamo Beggi, the 17-year-old guard from MFM Queens Basketball Club. Throughout the competition, Beggi was a consistent force for Nigeria, finishing with an impressive tally of 109 points across six games. Her stellar play earned her a well-deserved spot on the All-Star Team, solidifying her status as one of Africa’s top young basketball talents.
Beggi’s performance was particularly noteworthy in critical moments. She led Nigeria with 23 points in both the opening game against Egypt and the semifinal win over Uganda, showcasing her ability to step up when the team needed her most. She added 32 assists and 17 rebounds in total, proving to be an all-around player with scoring and playmaking abilities.
Despite being held to 14 points in the final against Mali, Beggi’s efforts throughout the tournament were a key factor in Nigeria’s strong run. Her inclusion in the tournament’s All-Star Starting Five capped off what was a breakout performance for the young star.
Nigeria’s Journey: From Group Stage Struggles to a World Cup Ticket
Nigeria’s road to the final was anything but easy. After a rocky start in the group stages, which saw them narrowly avoid elimination, the J’Tigress regrouped and fought their way to the knockout rounds. In the semifinals, they secured a crucial victory over Uganda, where Beggi’s 23-point performance once again played a pivotal role in their progress.
Although they fell short in the final, the Nigerian team has every reason to be proud of their achievements. This silver medal is Nigeria’s second-ever appearance in the U18 AfroBasket final, with the last podium finish occurring in 2010. More importantly, they have earned a coveted spot in the 2025 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup in Czechia, where they will compete on the global stage for only the second time in the country’s history.
Coaching and Future Development
Looking ahead to the World Cup, coaches Juliana Negedu and Tayelolu Adeniyi face the challenge of building a team that can compete on the world stage. The Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) will need to invest in player development, opposition scouting, and tactical preparations to ensure that the team is ready for the global competition. The next 12 months will be critical for the team’s growth as they prepare for the high level of competition they will face in the Czech Republic.
The J’Tigress’ 2011 World Cup debut, where the team struggled and finished with a 0-5 record, is a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. However, this current team has shown resilience and promise, and with the right preparation, they could make history by surpassing previous performances.
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Bright Future for Nigerian Women’s Basketball
The 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket may have ended with a silver medal, but Nigeria’s young team leaves Pretoria with their heads held high and their eyes set on the future. The emergence of players like Idubamo Beggi, who could be a cornerstone for the national team for years to come, is a sign of the bright future ahead for Nigerian women’s basketball.
As they prepare for the 2025 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup, the J’Tigress have already proven they can compete with the best in Africa. With continued support from the NBBF and a commitment to development, Nigeria has the potential to become a dominant force on the world stage in women’s basketball.
The journey to the World Cup begins now, and the J’Tigress are ready to show the world what they’re capable of.