Junior D’Tigress Bow to Mali Again, Fall 77-68 in U18 AfroBasket Final

Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigress have once again fallen to Mali in the final of the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket, losing 77-68 at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on Sunday.

Mali made a fast start, taking the first quarter 26-15 and building an early advantage that Nigeria struggled to overturn.

The Junior D’Tigress responded strongly in the second quarter, outscoring Mali 15-13, but still went into halftime trailing 39-30.

Nigeria remained competitive after the break, with both teams scoring 13 points in the third quarter, leaving Mali with a 52-43 advantage heading into the final period.

The Junior D’Tigress produced another 25-point quarter, but Mali matched their scoring output to secure the 77-68 victory and retain their dominance over Nigeria in the competition.

Nigeria’s Favour Joy Anari was the standout performer for the Junior D’Tigress, finishing with a game-high 26 points. Mali were led by Couda Keita, who contributed 20 points.

The defeat means Nigeria once again finish runners-up to Mali, who have established themselves as the dominant force in the U18 Women’s AfroBasket.