U18 AfroBasket 2026: D’Tigress beat Senegal to reach knockout stage
The Nigerian U18 female basketball team nicknamed D’Tigress have qualified for the knockout stage of the of the ongoing 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championship, after defeating Senegal 77-40.
Following a narrow overtime loss to Cameroon, the Nigerian team entered the final Group C fixture against Senegal in a must-win scenario to guarantee progression on Sunday, August 9, 2026, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
D’Tigress displayed absolute dominance from the opening whistle, locking down their opponents defensively.
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The team held Senegal to just four points in the first quarter and built an insurmountable 45-18 lead by halftime.
While Senegal showed signs of life in the third quarter, a strong final frame powered by Nigeria’s bench sealed the 30-point victory.
With this victory, Nigeria secured second place in Group C to book their spot in the knockout stage scheduled to begin on Wednesday, as the Junior D’Tigress continue their pursuit of continental glory and a qualification ticket to the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in China.
