Nigeria U18 D’Tigress were edged 75-74 by Cameroon after overtime, while the U18 D’Tigers lost 59-50 to Chad in their second games at the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championship in Côte d’Ivoire, www.aclsports.com reports.
The U18 D’Tigress were denied a second straight win after falling 75-74 to Cameroon in overtime in their Group C clash at the Salle Polyvalente in Treichville.
Nigeria made the brighter start and led 19-15 after the opening quarter. Both sides then scored 24 points apiece in the second period as the D’Tigress carried a 43-39 advantage into the break.
Cameroon gradually clawed their way back into the game after half-time. Nigeria managed only nine points in the third quarter, allowing the Central Africans to reduce the deficit before taking the fourth quarter 17-15 to force overtime at 67-67.
The extra period proved just as closely fought, but Cameroon edged it 8-7 to secure a narrow victory and maintain their unbeaten start to the competition.
Edore Pela led Nigeria’s scoring with 15 points, while Oluwatobiloba Owolabi added 14 points. Nimah Ibidunni and Bisola Arowolo contributed 10 points apiece for the Nigerian side.
Although Nigeria forced 46 turnovers and recorded 29 steals, Cameroon dominated the rebounding battle 61-42, including 22 offensive rebounds that yielded crucial second-chance opportunities.
Eveline Toyounon starred for Cameroon with 24 points, 17 rebounds and eight assists, while Charlene Poliwa finished with 17 points and 19 rebounds.
In Group A, the U18 D’Tigers endured another difficult outing against Chad at the Palais des Sports de Treichville.
Nigeria held a slender 12-11 lead after the opening quarter, but Chad responded by winning the second period 18-11 to establish a six-point cushion at half-time.
Chad continued to dictate proceedings after the interval, outscoring Nigeria 19-15 in the third quarter before holding firm in the final period to record their first victory of the tournament.
Victor Endurance Sunday led the D’Tigers with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Emmanuel Oshiobugie Idornigie contributed 14 points.
Nigeria endured a difficult shooting night, converting only 11 of their 63 field-goal attempts for a shooting percentage of 17.5 per cent. The D’Tigers also committed 33 turnovers, which Chad converted into 27 points.
Ngaba Yaya produced a dominant all-round display for Chad, posting 15 points and 21 rebounds to finish with the game’s highest efficiency rating. Junior Djibrine also chipped in 17 points for the winners.
The result left Nigeria’s U18 D’Tigress second in Group C with three points from two games, while the U18 D’Tigers remained bottom of Group A after back-to-back defeats.
