Following their 54-45 points loss to Mali in the semi final of the FIBA U16 Africa Championship, Nigeria have failed to book their place in the final and a chance to play at the FIBA U17 World Cup next year.
The Junior Tigers were far from their usual best in the competition attempting 38.46% from the free throw line committing 15 turn overs in the game at crucial moments in the game.
Mali gained 15 points from 19 turn overs committed while Nigeria made just 8 points from 15 and were overpowered in the paint as they gave away 22 points in the paint.
Reuben Chinyelu and Precious Ikpe both combined for 22 points on double figures for Nigeria.The former made it his fourth double-double of the competition with 17 rebounds and 3 blocks in 35 minutes.
Ikpe made three 3-pointers including 4 rebounds and 2 steals.
For Mali, Haroune Toure scored 12 points and 3 rebounds while Singare Youssouf (12) and Modibo Daouda Dembele (13) were pivotal from the boards.
In the other semi final, 3-time champions Egypt beat Guinea 71-67 to set up a final clash with Mali.
Egypt and Mali will represent Africa at the 2020 FIBA U17 World Championship in Bulgaria while Nigeria will play Guinea in the third place game on Sunday.
