Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, the D’Tigress, clinched a hard-fought 75–68 win over Senegal in the Women’s AfroBasket semi-final to advance to their fifth consecutive final.
The game was played on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The match was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads. Nigeria took a 22–17 lead in the first quarter and edged the second 21–20 to lead 43–37 at halftime.
Senegal responded with a dominant third quarter, outscoring Nigeria 21–9 and entering the final quarter with a 58–52 advantage.
Fourth Quarter Comeback Seals Victory
But D’Tigress bounced back strongly, closing the game with a 23–10 run to seal the seven-point win.
The victory extended Nigeria’s unbeaten AfroBasket streak to 28 games since October 2015. It also marked their ninth consecutive win over Senegal in AfroBasket history.
Ezinne Kalu led the charge for Nigeria with 19 points and a crucial steal late in the fourth quarter. She was supported by Promise Amukamara, Amy Okonkwo, and Victoria Macaulay, who all contributed significantly in both offense and defense.
Nigeria’s defensive intensity in the final minutes forced multiple turnovers and disrupted Senegal’s rhythm.
Senegal’s Cierra Dillard gave a spirited performance, scoring 26 points and adding seven rebounds and three assists.
“We gave it everything, but Nigeria was just better in the clutch,” she said after the match. Despite her efforts, Senegal struggled with ball control in the final minutes, allowing Nigeria to regain control.
Full time: Senegal🇸🇳 68 – 75 Nigeria 🇳🇬
— Ade 💫 (@KamiyoJnr) August 2, 2025
10 YEARS UNBEATEN….DTIGRESS HAVE QUALIFIED FOR ANOTHER AFROBASKET FINAL!!!
MISSION V is possible.@DtigressNG
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT I hope you are preparing down my babies $100k @SenRemiTinubu #AfroBasketWomen pic.twitter.com/wkRDzyrseh
Coach Rena Wakama’s game management proved crucial as she led the team through a tense final stretch. Nigeria scored 10 of the final 13 points in the last three minutes to close out the game.
Wakama, the first female head coach of D’Tigress, has now guided the team to back-to-back victories in her debut AfroBasket campaign.
This result solidifies Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s basketball and sets them up for another shot at the title.
D’Tigress will face Mali in the final, after Mali defeated South Sudan 76–50 in the other semi-final. A win would make Nigeria the first nation to claim five consecutive AfroBasket titles.
Can D’Tigress maintain their incredible run and claim a fifth consecutive AfroBasket championship in the final? What’s your scoreline prediction for the finals with Mali?Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
