Nigeria’s contingent to the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup of Nations in Uganda earned a third-place finish in the U18 girls’ category while the men finished in fourth place as the teams got much-needed exposure and experience of the 3×3 basketball format.

Nigeria’s bronze in the U18 girls’ category was achieved with an 8-6 defeat of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the third-place game.

Nigeria’s conquerors in the semifinal Uganda were undone 17-4 by 3×3 powerhouses Mali in the final.

In the U18 boys’ category, hosts Uganda once again proved to be the undoing of Nigeria as they beat the West Africans 12-17 points in the third-place game.

Despite the loss, Mustapha Oyebanji who shone brilliantly during the tournament joined Bourama Coulibaly (Mali) and Youssef Helmy (Egypt) in the Team of the tournament.

Oyebanji also took home the bronze in the shoot-out contest while Alou Traore (Mali’s men) won gold in the Shoot-out contest after defeating Claris Osula (Kenya’s women) in a tie-breaking playoff round.

Mali defeated Egypt in a nail-biting final 14-13 points to win the tournament.

The quartet of Godwin David, Lucky Subel, Agu Ibeh and Victor Koko lost out to Egypt 13-17 points in the quarterfinal stage.

The women also lost out narrowly against bitter rivals, Mali 14-15 points in the semifinals.