Nigeria is set to return to the FIBA U19 after being drawn in Group B alongside Portugal, Canada, and China.
The junior D’tigress will Portugal, which placed fifth at the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket; Canada, a powerhouse that secured silver at the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup; and China, the silver medalist at the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup.
The second African team, Mali is arguably in the toughest group of the tournament. The Malian girls will compete against Australia, France, and Brazil in Group C.
First Participation, Second Qualification For Nigeria
This will mark Nigeria’s second official qualification for the tournament, following their absence from the 2011 edition in Puerto Montt, Chile.
However, Nigeria was originally drawn into Group C alongside Australia, host nation Chile, and France in 2011 but withdrew.
FIBA U19 Tournament Structure
All 16 teams participating in the event will advance to the competition’s Final Phase with a single-elimination format in place from the Round of 16 onwards.
Furthermore, Group A Teams will face teams from Group B, based on standings within these groups (1st vs 4th – 2nd vs 3rd) and teams from Group C will face teams from Group D.
Three-time defending champions USA will be looking to win an 11th title in this upcoming edition.
The results of the draw are as follows:
- Group A: USA, Israel, Hungary, Korea.
- Group B: Nigeria, Portugal, Canada, China.
- Group C: Australia, France, Brazil, Mali.
- Group D: Spain, Czechia, Japan, Argentina.
Meanwhile, the 2025 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup will be the 16th edition of the Under-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup.