Nigeria’s D’Tigress extended their dominance in African women’s basketball with a hard-fought 75-68 victory over fierce rivals Senegal on Friday night in the semifinals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship. The game, held at the electrifying Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, lived up to its billing as “The Final Before the Final,” with both teams unleashing intensity from the opening whistle.
Senegal came out of the gates with blistering pace and purpose, racing to an 11-2 lead within just three minutes of play. But the reigning African champions showed why they are the team to beat on the continent. With veteran poise and tactical composure, D’Tigress mounted a stunning 13-0 run, wresting back control of the game and closing the first quarter 22-17 in their favour.
Twists, Turns and a Stunning Comeback
The second quarter saw both teams match each other blow-for-blow, but Nigeria edged it 21-20 to maintain a slender lead going into halftime. However, the third quarter brought with it a rude awakening. Senegal, fighting to dethrone the queens of African basketball, delivered a powerful response. They dominated the quarter with a commanding 21-9 performance, pushing the scoreline to 58-52 in their favour heading into the final ten minutes.
What followed was a masterclass in resilience. Coach Rena Wakama’s halftime talk sparked a resurgence that stunned the Senegalese bench. D’Tigress found their rhythm and overwhelmed Senegal with a 23-10 run in the fourth quarter. Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, and Captain Amy Okonkwo led the offensive surge, sealing a 75-68 comeback win that secured Nigeria’s place in the final—and kept their dream of a historic fifth consecutive title alive.
Nigeria’s D’Tigress Record-breaking Run and Dominance Cemented
The win extended Nigeria’s unbeaten streak in African women’s basketball to 28 matches, a streak that dates back to 2015. With this semifinal triumph, D’Tigress have now surpassed Senegal in the number of consecutive AfroBasket titles. While Senegal held the previous record with four straight championships, Nigeria now has the chance to clinch a record fifth title in Sunday’s final.
More than just a win, the result reaffirmed Nigeria’s status as the dominant force in African women’s basketball. D’Tigress have not only proven their supremacy on the court but also showcased their depth and discipline, bouncing back from adversity when it mattered most.
Individual Brilliance on Display
D’Tigress’ victory was fueled by stellar individual performances, led by the ever-reliable Ezinne Kalu, who posted 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. She was ably supported by Promise Amukamara with 16 points and 4 rebounds, while Captain Amy Okonkwo added 15 points and 6 rebounds of her own. The team’s collective effort neutralized Senegal’s Cierra Dilliard, who topped all scorers with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.
These statistics underscore the efficiency and team chemistry that have become trademarks of D’Tigress under Coach Wakama’s leadership. Even when their backs were against the wall, the Nigerian ladies relied on trust, talent, and tenacity to grind out the result.
World Cup Qualification Secured as Final Awaits
With this semifinal win, Nigeria has also earned a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments. Joining them from the AfroBasket are fellow semifinalists Senegal, Mali, and South Sudan. These four African teams will be among the 24 nations competing in March 2026 for places in the global showpiece to be held in Germany.
The World Cup qualifiers will feature teams from all five FIBA regions. Representing the Americas are Brazil, Argentina, the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Colombia. From Europe, powerhouses like France, Spain, Belgium, and hosts Germany will participate, while Asia and Oceania will see entries from Japan, China, Australia, and others. For Nigeria, it’s another opportunity to break barriers after already becoming the first African team—male or female—to reach the Olympic quarterfinals.
As D’Tigress prepare for the final showdown against the winner of the Mali vs South Sudan clash, the weight of history rests squarely on their shoulders—but so does the belief of a continent that has watched them grow from champions to legends.
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