AfroBasket women’s U18: Senegal leaves the tournament after a setback against Nigeria

Beaten 70 to 40 by Nigeria during the classification match for places 5 to 8 of the U18 Women’s AfroBasket 2026, the Lioncelles leave the race for the semi-finals and will not be able to qualify for the U19 World Cup. A new disillusionment for the Senegalese selection in Abidjan.

Senegal will not see the final four of the U18 Women’s AfroBasket 2026. Opposed to Nigeria, the Lioncelles lost heavily with a score of 70 to 40, at the end of a match dominated from start to finish by the Nigerians. Already in difficulty during the group stage, Malick Diop’s players never managed to reverse the trend against a Nigerian team that was more athletic, more aggressive in defense and above all more efficient in both rackets.

Nigeria quickly took control of the match thanks to an all-terrain defense which caused numerous Senegalese losses of the ball. The gap widened over the quarters, with the Lioncelles struggling to find offensive solutions and contain the opposing intensity. With only 40 points scored, Senegal showed its offensive limits, while Nigeria reached the 70-point mark thanks to better ball circulation and rebound domination.

This defeat confirms a complicated tournament for the Lioncelles. Placed in group C, Senegal had already suffered two losses during the first phase, against Cameroon then Tunisia, finishing in last place in its group. Nigeria, for its part, showed better dispositions despite a more balanced group stage.

Beyond the continental elimination, this setback also puts an end to hopes of qualifying for the U19 Women’s World Cup, reserved for the best African teams in the tournament. Senegal will now have to settle for the classification matches to try to end the competition on a more positive note.