BRNO (Czechia) - There is a lot to love about Group B at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2025 with more questions than answers being thrown up ahead of the big tip-off.
While Canada should be pushing for consecutive podium finishes, what kind of team will China be able to field, will Portugal cause a positive splash on their first appearance and can Nigeria show Africa's Got Game?
The Favorite: Canada
Having snapped up a bronze medal at the last edition in Madrid two years ago, the good times are back for Canada as they look destined to challenge again. They won silver at the FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup 2024 behind an All-Star Five show from Jasmine Bascoe who could be their leader again.
If they also get the services of Syla Swords who lit it up at the 2023 edition and Agot Makeer who was on fire at the U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024, they could prove to be one of the frontrunners.
The Underdog: Nigeria
Don't look past Nigeria as they will bring a real physical edge to the party and did make the title game at the FIBA U18 Women's AfroBasket 2024. However, they were beaten by a 20-point margin by Mali.
This perhaps frames the likely struggle they will have at what will be only their second ever appearance and to avoid finishing fourth in the group, their big-hitters like Idubamo Beggi and Abigail Isaac must hit a high gear.
The Pivotal Game: Portugal v China
There will be a whole lot of pride on show when Portugal appear at the prestigious event for the first time and it will be a historic moment. They will also be fully expecting that a historic chapter be written when they face Nigeria in what looks like being their best chance of a maiden victory. But it is their matchup with China which will be key.
Portugal have all their hopes pinned on the brilliant Clara Silva to continue taking them to new heights and if she is in situ as hoped, they have a tower of strength for all ocassions. Meanwhile China might or might not have their own towering sensation Zhang Ziyu. The 7ft 3in giant may be on senior duty instead and that will be a huge factor.
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Looking for more about the teams in Group B? Check out why your nation could win the tournament.
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