Junior D’Tigress silence Abidjan, book World Cup ticket, Mali rematch

Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigress have booked their place at the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup after a hard-fought 53-50 win over hosts Côte d’Ivoire in Friday’s semi-final at the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan.

The victory also sent Nigeria into the AfroBasket final for the second straight edition, while ending the hosts’ impressive run in front of their home fans.

Nigeria will now face defending champions Mali in Sunday’s final, setting up a repeat of the 2024 final in Pretoria.

The game was close from start to finish, with 11 lead changes and seven ties as both teams battled for a place in the final and one of Africa’s two tickets to next year’s World Cup in China.

Nigeria started slightly better, edging the first quarter 12-11 before taking the second 15-12 to lead 27-23 at halftime.

The hosts refused to go away after the break and won the third quarter 16-14, cutting Nigeria’s lead to two points.

The Junior D’Tigress, however, kept their composure in the final quarter. They won the period 12-11 to hold on for a three-point victory.

Captain Favour Joy Anari led Nigeria with 15 points and four assists, while Oluwatobiloba Owolabi added 11 points, including three three-pointers from four attempts.

Nimah Ibidunni was strong on the boards with 12 rebounds and six points, while Zainab Adelaja finished with six points, 10 rebounds and four assists.

For Côte d’Ivoire, Fatima Diouf scored 12 points, with three rebounds and three assists, while Salimata Koné added nine points.

After the game, Côte d’Ivoire’s Jean Mary Diomande said missed free throws cost the hosts a place in the final.

Owolabi credited Nigeria’s defence for the win.

“Yes, we started slowly and finished strongly. We wanted to win, and we did, thanks to our defence.”

The victory…