BAMAKO (FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017) - By reaching the final of the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017, Nigeria and Senegal on Saturday secured the two tickets for African teams for next year's FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.

In the first Semi-Final of the day, Nigeria outscored hosts Mali 48-47 while African reigning champions Senegal defeated Mozambique 72-52 later in the day. 

Nigerian duo of Antonye Nyingifa and Ezinne Kalu finished with a team-high eleven points each, while Meiya Tirera and Ramata Diakite - the only Mali players to score in double figures - combined for 27 points.

Although Nigeria led by as many as 12 points, Mali cut the deficit to a one-point game with a minute to play.

Mali power forward Naignouma Coulibaly missed a lay-up with 21 seconds on the shot clock, which could have given Mali an encouraging lead. A few seconds later, Tirera had a superb opportunity to give Mali a one-point lead, and maybe secure a pass to the final with seven seconds remaining but missed the shot, sending Nigerians fans and players into a frenzy.  

With the win, Nigeria return to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup for the first time since 2006 while Mali lost in the Semi-Final for the second straight time as hosts of the tournament.

Meanwhile, tournament leading scorer Astou Traore came up with yet another big performance leading Senegal with a game-best 22 points as they return to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup for the first time since 2010. 

With the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017 finalists decided, the 16-team field for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2018 is now complete.

Joining hosts Spain and reigning Olympic champions the USA, are: Argentina, Canada, Puerto Rico, Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Belgium, France, Greece, Latvia, Turkey, Nigeria, and Senegal.

Senegal and Nigeria will play the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017 final on Sunday, August 26.

FIBA