Best Odds Center
best odds centre button
Click here!
Sport TV
watch live tv button
Click here!
to watch
Live FootBall
NPFL
Click here!
Live Scores
play watch Live Score button
Click here!

Junior D’Tigress Stun Hosts, Seal World Cup Ticket

Posted : 17 August 2026

Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigress secured qualification for the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in China after edging hosts Côte d’Ivoire 53–50 in a tense semi-final at the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket on Friday.

Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, the Nigerian youngsters maintained their composure throughout a closely contested encounter, with neither team able to establish a commanding advantage.

Nigeria made a bright start, narrowly winning the opening quarter 12–11 before extending their lead to four points at halftime with a 27–23 advantage.

The Junior D’Tigress remained disciplined after the interval, taking the third quarter 14–13 to move 41–36 ahead heading into the final period.

The hosts refused to give up, mounting a late comeback and winning the fourth quarter 12–11. However, Nigeria held their nerve in the closing stages to secure the three-point victory and book their place at next year’s global junior championship.

Favour Joy Anar was instrumental in the victory, leading Nigeria’s scoring with 15 points while also contributing four assists and five steals.

Oluwatobiloba Owolabi added 11 points, including three successful three-pointers from four attempts, while Nimah Ibidun provided a strong presence in the paint with six points and 12 rebounds.

Zainab Adelaja also produced an all-round performance, finishing with six points, 10 rebounds and four assists.

The victory sets up a mouth-watering final against defending champions Mali, who edged Egypt 57–55 in the other semi-final.

Sunday’s encounter will give Nigeria an opportunity to settle old scores after Mali defeated the Junior D’Tigress 76–56 in the 2024 final in Pretoria.

With Mali aiming for a third consecutive continental title, Nigeria will enter the final with the confidence of having secured a World Cup ticket and the determination to reclaim the African crown.

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics

close button
Please fill captcha :