From Dotun Omisakin, Lagos
Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigress defeated Uganda 71-67, in their semifinal clash on Friday, to reach the final of the ongoing FIBA U-18 Afrobasket in South Africa.
Junior D’Tigress’ victory against the East African side, also secured their place at the 2025 FIBA U-18 Women’s World Cup in Switzerland.
In the thrilling encounter, Nigeria who survived elimination alongside Rwanda, to qualify out of the knockout stages as the best third-placed finishers, started strongly to end the first quarter by a slim victory, 21-20.
The second quarter witnessed Nigeria’s unrelenting spirit as they maintained their lead to end 40-37.
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During the opening two quarters, both sides recorded 12 turnovers.
Nigeria continued with a dominant force, dictating the pace from the mid park to their opponent arc side, dismantling their defense to end the third quarter by 61-54.
The fourth quarter ended on an exciting note for Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigress to redeem themselves against Uganda who defeated them at the group stage by winning 71-67.
Nigeria’s journey to their third final saw them overcome hurdles of five previous matches; three group-stage matches and two knockout matches.
They lost their two group-stage matches to Egypt and Uganda and won Zimbabwe while defeated Egypt and Uganda In both the quarter and semifinals respectively.
They will face defending champions Mali in the final on Saturday, September 14.
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