J’Tigress coach promises biggest upset in 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s Afrobasket final Vs Mali
J’Tigress coach Juliana Ojoshogu Negedu says she and her technical crew have scouted Mali, their FIBA U18 Women’s Afrobasket final opponent and would have a response despite going in against a more experienced and formidable side who have averaged 94.6 points, more than 20 what Nigeria have in the tournament.
Coach Negedu will be hoping her girls can recreate the scenario of August 5, 2010, when Nigeria defeated the Malians 57-44 in the semifinals of the tournament.
The Nigerians are going against a Mali U18 team currently on 15-1 winning streak in the U18 Women’s AfroBasket with their last loss (68-63) in the competition happened in the 2020 final against hosts Egypt.
A win for the J’Tigress will be the biggest upset of the entire tournament as the Malians are on 5-0 winning streak and are seeking to win a record-extending ninth title while the Nigerians are seeking to upgrade the silver they won in the past to gold this Saturday in Pretoria, South Africa.
For that to happen, coach Negedu will have to rely, for the umpteenth time, on leaders Idubamo Beggi and Abigail Isaac, a duo that has proven crucial, the former leading the side’s scoring with a 19 points per game average and 5.6 assists while Isaac leads the side in rebounding with a 14.6 average. Momoluwa Ayomide Tewogbade is also expected to push their charge.
