Nigeria, Aug. 17 -- Nigeria's Junior D'Tigress have again fallen to Mali in the final of the FIBA U18 Women's AfroBasket, losing 77-68 to surrender the continental title to the defending champions in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.

Mali's victory on Sunday extended their dominance in the competition, as they secured a second three-peat after previously winning three successive titles in 2014, 2016 and 2018.

They have now won five of the last six editions of the championship, with Egypt claiming the 2020 title before Mali returned to the top in 2022, 2024 and 2026.

For Nigeria, the defeat was another heartbreaking moment, which further confirms Mali's dominance in the age-grade competition. Mali also defeated the Junior D'Tigress 76-56 in the 2...