Nigeria U18 D’Tigress reached the final of the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket and qualified for the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup after a 53-50 win over hosts Côte d’Ivoire, www.aclsports.com reports.
The closely contested semi-final at the Palais des Sports de Treichville on Friday saw Nigeria edge the opening quarter 12-11 before extending their advantage with a 15-12 second-quarter display to take a 27-23 lead into half-time.
Côte d’Ivoire responded after the break, winning the third quarter 16-14 to reduce the deficit to two points, but the Junior D’Tigress held their nerve in the final period, outscoring the hosts 12-11 to secure the victory and book a second consecutive U18 AfroBasket final as well as qualification for the U19 World Cup.
Favour Anari led all scorers with 15 points, adding four assists and six steals, while Oluwatobiloba Owolabi contributed 11 points, including three three-pointers, with six of her points coming in the fourth quarter as Nigeria protected their slender lead.
Nimah Ibidunni added six points and a game-high 12 rebounds, while Zainab Adelaja recorded 10 rebounds and six points in another strong all-round display.
Despite shooting just 24.2 percent from the field, Peter Oluwaseun Akindele’s side relied on defensive intensity to get the job done. The Junior D’Tigress forced 33 turnovers and registered 20 steals, converting those mistakes into 22 points.
Nigeria, chasing a maiden U18 Women’s AfroBasket title, will face defending champions Mali in the final on Sunday, a repeat of last year’s championship game.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigers ended their campaign with a victory over Rwanda to finish ninth, matching their worst-ever placing at the competition in 2010.
