Mali deny junior D'Tigress U-18 Afrobasket title
Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigress have been denied a maiden FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket title after falling 77-68 to Mali in Sunday’s final at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Mali seized control early, racing to a 26-15 lead in the opening quarter and putting the Junior D’Tigress on the back foot.
Nigeria responded strongly in the second quarter, edging Mali 15-13, before both teams battled to a 13-13 draw in the third. The final quarter produced another tight contest, with both sides scoring 25 points, but Mali’s early advantage proved decisive as they held on for a nine-point victory.
The triumph secured Mali’s 10th FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket title, while Nigeria’s search for a first championship crown continues.
Favour Joy Anari led Nigeria’s scoring effort with an impressive 23 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Oluwatobiloba Owolabi added 19 points and four rebounds, while Khadijah Alli contributed 13 points and five rebounds.
For the champions, Couda Keita delivered a game-high 25 points, four rebounds and three steals. Maimouna Traore added 18 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Suzane Fatoumata Dembele finished with 11 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Assan Bagnine Mariko also made her presence felt with a commanding double-double of 10 points and 16 rebounds, alongside three steals.
Despite the disappointment of losing the final, the Junior D’Tigress can take some consolation from securing qualification for the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in China.
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