Junior D’Tigress Out to Rewrite History Against Mali in AfroBasket Final
Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigress will have another chance to end Mali’s long-standing dominance when the two West African rivals meet in Sunday’s FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket 2026 final at the Palais des Sports Dome in Treichville.
The final is a repeat of the 2024 championship decider in Pretoria, South Africa, where Mali defeated Nigeria 76-56 to retain their continental crown.
Mali are seeking a record-extending 10th U18 Women’s AfroBasket title, having won nine championships and finished runners-up twice, while Nigeria are still searching for their first title after two silver-medal finishes.
Egypt remain the only team to have beaten Mali in an U18 Women’s AfroBasket final.
Mali have been impressive on their way to the final, winning all three Group B matches against Benin, Morocco and Egypt before overwhelming Kenya 93-22 in the quarter-finals.
They then edged Egypt 57-55 in the semi-finals to maintain their unbeaten run. They have scored 493 points and conceded just 184, with Maimouna Traoré, Suzane Dembélé, Assan Mariko, Couda Keita and Aminata Samaké expected to lead their attack.
‘Of course we are the champions, and we know Nigeria. Our job here is to win the title,’ Mali coach Jean Mary Diomande told FIBA website.
Nigeria reached the final after overcoming a difficult group campaign in which they defeated Tunisia 54-50, suffered a narrow 75-74 loss to Cameroon and then beat Senegal 70-40.
The Junior D’Tigress gained revenge over Cameroon with a commanding 75-45 quarter-final victory before edging hosts Côte d’Ivoire 53-50 in the semi-finals.
Coach Peter Akindele will look to Favour Anari, Zainab Adelaja, Oluwatobiloba Owolabi, Nimah Ibidunni, Bisola Arowolo and Khadijah Alli to deliver the performance needed to make history.
Owolabi believes Nigeria are better prepared for the rematch.
‘We’re aware that they are the defending champions and beat Nigeria in the 2024 final, but it won’t be easy for Mali this time. As a team, we’re determined to change the narrative this time,’ she said.
Both finalists have already secured qualification for the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup, but Sunday’s encounter offers Nigeria an opportunity to claim their first-ever continental title and finally end Mali’s dominance of the competition.
