Chad Rebound From Ivorian Rout to Down Winless Nigeria at U18 AfroBasket

Chad picked up their first win of the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket on Friday, holding off Nigeria 59-50 in a physical Group A contest at the Palais des Sports de Treichville.

The result offered Chad some redemption after being routed 104-51 by tournament hosts Côte d'Ivoire two days earlier, while Nigeria fell to 0-2 following their own opening loss to Egypt.

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Ngaba Yaya was again the difference-maker for Chad as the 18-year-old forward, who arrived in Abidjan off a standout Zone 4 qualifying campaign, finished as the game's leading performer in efficiency as he also shouldered a heavy workload in the loss to Côte d'Ivoire earlier in the week, finishing with 15 points, massive 21 rebounds and 3 assists but it was Junior Djibrine who scored most for the Chadians as he registered 17 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists. 

For Nigeria, Victor Endurance Sunday was the standout, leading his team in scoring and efficiency, though his effort wasn't enough to offset a rough shooting night across the board as led all scorers chart with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists.

Nigeria came out the sharper of the two sides, edging the drab first quarter, 12-11 in a game that opened with little separation on the scoreboard. But Chad seized control in the second period, outscoring their opponents 18-11 to swing momentum decisively their way heading into halftime. The lead grew further in the third quarter, as Chad pulled away 19-15, before both teams settled into a more even fourth to close out the win.

At their peak, Chad led by as many as 16 points and controlled the ball for nearly 31 minutes of game time, compared to just over six minutes for Nigeria. The lead changed hands six times and the scores were level on three occasions, but once Chad's second-quarter run took hold, Nigeria never found an answer.

Neither side found much rhythm from the field — Chad connected on just 24.1% of their two-point attempts and 28% from three, while Nigeria managed only 17.5% and 17.4% respectively. Free throws were the one area Nigeria came out ahead, converting 66.7% of their attempts to Chad's 60%, though on limited opportunities.

Nigeria's struggles have now carried over from their tournament opener, a 95-68 defeat to Egypt in which the team was forced to play with just seven available players. Depth issues appeared to resurface against a physical Chad side that leaned heavily on Ngaba Yaya's presence inside.

The win moves Chad off the bottom of the Group A standings and hands Nigeria a second consecutive loss as the group phase continues in Abidjan.

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[Image Credit- FIBA MEDIA]