Nigeria’s D’Tigress are on the brink of a historic fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title after battling to a 75–68 victory over Senegal in the semi-finals on Saturday, Afrosport reports.
The defending champions faced a stern test against the tournament’s most decorated team at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, with Senegal aiming to end Nigeria’s reign at the top of African women’s basketball.
However, Rena Wakama’s side held their nerve in a tense fourth quarter to seal the win and extend their unbeaten run at the Women’s Afrobasket to 28 games—a streak that stretches back nearly a decade when they defeated Angola in the third-place game in October 2015.
🫡 A comeback in the late 4th, thanks to their pressure on both ends, boost the 🇳🇬 DTigress to seal the deal against long time rival 🇸🇳, qualify for the final! 🔥 #AfroBasketWomen #LeadWithLegacy pic.twitter.com/y0APv00rvX
— FIBA Women’s Afrobasket (@afrobasketwomen) August 2, 2025
Anticipation was high ahead of the semi-final showdown, as the two most successful teams in Women’s Afrobasket history went head-to-head. Adding to the narrative was the presence of former D’Tigress head coach Otis Hughley Jr. on the Senegalese bench—he previously guided Nigeria to three continental titles.
Nigeria edged the opening quarter 22–17, laying down an early marker. The second period was more balanced, with both sides trading baskets, but the D’Tigress managed to nick it 21–20, giving them a six-point advantage at the half.
The Teranga Lionesses responded with a dominant third quarter, showing they were worthy semi-finalists. Their defence held Nigeria to just nine points while they poured in 21 to take a six-point lead into the final ten minutes.
But as champions do, Nigeria found another gear. The D’Tigress clawed their way back, trimming the deficit to one. Ezinne Kalu and Promise Amukamara took control in the closing stages, powering the team to a decisive 23–10 final quarter and sealing the hard-fought win.
Kalu leads the charge as D’Tigress down Senegal once again
Nigeria outscored Senegal 10–3 in the final three minutes to clinch a dramatic victory over the Teranga Lionesses, marking a seventh consecutive win against their West African rivals and booking a place in the final.
Kalu, the 2019 Women’s Afrobasket Most Valuable Player (MVP), spearheaded the attack with 19 points. Her highlight moment came from a fast-break layup following a steal at halfcourt from Lena Timera.
Amukamara added 16 points, holding her nerve from the free-throw line in the dying minutes to help seal the win.
Captain Amy Okonkwo contributed 15 points and six rebounds, while Victory Macaulay was instrumental at both ends—her clutch hook shot put Nigeria ahead 69–66, and she also recorded 13 points and three blocks in a standout performance.
Dillard’s heroics not enough as Senegal fall short
Senegal guard Cierra Dillard tried all she could in her side’s bid to end a 14-year winless run against Nigeria, pouring in a game-high 26 points along with seven rebounds. However, her standout performance wasn’t enough to halt the D’Tigress’ charge to the final.
Ndiome Kane chipped in with 14 points and six assists, while Yacine Diop added nine points for the Teranga Lionesses, who settle for the third-place game.
With the win, Nigeria’s D’Tigress advance to the championship game, where they will face Mali, who secured a 76-50 blowout win over South Sudan.
