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Côte d’Ivoire’s smooth run at the FIBA U-18 Afrobasket came to an end on Friday last night following their 53-50 defeat to the Junior D’Tigress of Nigeria, who will now play Mali in Sunday’s final.
With the win, Nigeria secured one of the two spots for African teams for the 2027 FIBA U-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup to be held in China
There were 11 lead changes and the scores were tied seven times, but Nigeria ultimately had the staying power to wrest victory from a hard-fighting Côte d’Ivoire side.
Although Nigeria won the first two quarters 12–11 and 15–12, respectively, and went into the break leading 27–23, Côte d’Ivoire fought back strongly to win the third quarter 16–14, putting pressure on Nigeria. The Junior D’Tigress won the fourth quarter 12-11.
Nigeria’s captain, Favour Anari, had 15 points, two rebounds and four assists for an efficiency rating of 11, but Zainab Adelaja was the driving force behind the Nigerian team with a rating of 14, while Nimah Ibidunni scored six points and rebounded 12 times.
For Côte d’Ivoire, Fatima Diouf scored 12 points, had 3 rebounds and made 3 assists to lead her team, while Salimata Koné had an efficiency rating of 12 and scored 9 points.
Oluwatobiloba Owolabi, who scored 11 points in the game, said that their tough defence against Côte d’Ivoire was key. “Yes, we started slowly and finished strongly. We wanted to win, and we did, thanks to our defence.”
Nigeria lost to Mali 76-56 in the final of the 2024 FIBA U-18 Afrobasket held in South Africa.
While the Malians are gunning for a record-extending 10th continental title, Nigeria will be targeting a first-ever title after losing in two finals (2010 and 2024).
By James Agberebi
