Nigeria’s D’Tigress Triumph Over Senegal To Reach AfroBasket Final.
Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, secured a thrilling 75-68 victory over Senegal in the semi-finals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, booking their place in the final of the tournament held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The defending champions showcased their resilience and depth, overcoming a challenging Senegalese side to extend their remarkable unbeaten streak in African competition to 28 games since 2015.
The match, played at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, was a fiercely contested affair, often dubbed the “final before the final” due to the storied rivalry between the two West African powerhouses. Nigeria started strongly, taking a 22-17 lead in the first quarter, with Victoria Macaulay, Promise Amukamara, and Ezinne Kalu setting a physical tone. By halftime, D’Tigress held a six-point advantage at 43-37, bolstered by Macaulay’s 11 points and defensive prowess, including a notable block followed by a three-pointer.
Senegal, however, mounted a fierce comeback in the third quarter, led by their star performer Cierra Dillard, who scored an impressive 26 points. The Senegalese defence tightened, limiting Nigeria to just nine points in the period and taking a 58-52 lead into the final quarter. Undeterred, D’Tigress, under the guidance of coach Rena Wakama, displayed their trademark grit. A crucial 23-10 run in the fourth quarter, sparked by Amy Okonkwo’s free throws and Kalu’s composure, saw Nigeria regain control and secure the victory.
Ezinne Kalu led Nigeria with 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Amukamara contributed 16 points. Okonkwo added 15 points, including two three-pointers, and chipped in with defensive plays. Despite Dillard’s heroics for Senegal, Nigeria’s balanced attack and staunch defence in the closing stages proved decisive.
This victory marks Nigeria’s seventh AfroBasket final appearance and keeps them on course for a historic fifth consecutive title, a feat only previously achieved by Senegal from 1974 to 1981. The D’Tigress’ dominance over Senegal continues, with this win marking their eighth consecutive victory against their rivals since 2015. The triumph also secures Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments, alongside fellow semi-finalists Senegal, Mali, and South Sudan.
Fans across Nigeria celebrated the achievement, with social media posts reflecting national pride and anticipation for the final. One supporter described the match as “heart-stopping,” particularly noting the tense third quarter, while others praised the team’s relentless spirit. The National Sports Commission has urged D’Tigress to remain focused as they aim to bring the trophy home to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a nation eager for continued success.
Nigeria now awaits the winner of the Mali vs. South Sudan semi-final in the championship match, set for Sunday, 3 August 2025, in Abidjan. With a legacy of four straight titles from 2017 to 2023 and an unbeaten record stretching back a decade, D’Tigress are poised to cement their status as Africa’s basketball queens.
