J’Tigers out of 2024 Afrobasket U-18 Championship after loss to Mali

Nigeria’s Under-18 Men’s Basketball team, the J’Tigers, were eliminated from the 2024 Afrobasket U-18 Championship following an 81-70 defeat to Mali in the quarterfinals.

Despite a strong start, Mali maintained their lead throughout the game, winning the first quarter 23-19 and leading 40-38 at halftime.

The J’Tigers struggled to gain control, allowing Mali to secure the victory in Pretoria, South Africa. The loss means Nigeria will not advance to the FIBA World Championship in Switzerland.

In contrast, the Nigerian U-18 Women’s team, the J’Tigress, advanced to the semi-finals after a 61-56 win over Egypt. They are set to face Uganda in the semi-finals.

Elsewhere, the Rwanda Under-18 Men’s team also exited the tournament after a surprising 53-67 quarterfinal loss to Cameroon.

Rwanda led in the first quarter but faltered as Cameroon surged ahead, particularly in the final quarter.

Cameroon’s Amadou Seini led his team with 15 points and 23 rebounds, while Rwanda’s Dylan Kayijuka scored 19 points. Rwanda will now play a classification game for positions 5th to 8th.