Two-time champions, Mali, have knocked out Nigeria’s male representatives, the Junior D’Tigers, from the 2024 Under-18 FIBA AfroBasket Championship in South Africa.

Despite a strong start from the Nigerian boys who were leading 23-19 in the first quarter, the Junior D’Tigers found themselves trailing by two points at halftime, with Mali edging ahead 40-38.

As the game progressed, the Nigerian team struggled to regain momentum in the second half, and the game ultimately ended 81-70 in favour of Mali who will move on to the next stage of the championship.

With the victory, Mali advances to the semi-finals, leaving Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigers out of the competition.