Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigress will battle Argentina on Friday (today) in a classification match at the ongoing FIBA U-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Czechia.
After falling 77-51 to Hungary in the Round of 16, the coach Juliana Akhere-led Nigerian side exited the title race but now aim for a respectable finish in the 9th–16th classification bracket.
The clash against the South Americans will take place at the Starez Arena Vodova Hall in Brno.
Making their tournament debut, Nigeria have posted an average of 61.8 points, 42.3 rebounds, and 11.8 assists per game.
They boast a 65.8% success rate from the free-throw line, while their two-point and three-point field goal conversions stand at 33.1% and 21.2%, respectively.
Argentina, who are yet to win a game, average 46.5 points, 32 rebounds, and 12.3 assists. Their shooting stats include 64.6% from the free-throw line, 39.2% in two-point attempts, and 22.6% from three-point range.
Junior D’Tigress opened their Group B campaign with a memorable win over China but suffered defeats to Canada and Portugal, finishing third with one win and two losses. The loss to Hungary ended their championship hopes and relegated them to the lower bracket.
Argentina have endured a torrid run, losing all four of their games. They opened with a 68-47 loss to Spain, followed by a 77-49 defeat to hosts Czechia. Further setbacks against Japan (83-44) and Australia (95-46) sealed their place in the classification rounds.
Toby Nweke leads Nigeria in scoring with an average of 11.5 points per game, having delivered consistent double-digit performances in her last two outings. Argentina’s key player, Nerea Lagowski, has averaged nine points per game.
The winner of this fixture will advance to face either Brazil or South Korea in the next classification match.