Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, are through to the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket after defeating fierce rivals Senegal 75–68 in a pulsating semifinal clash on Saturday in Abidjan.
The win marks Nigeria’s 10th victory in 15 meetings against the 11-time champions and extends their decade-long dominance over Senegal, who last tasted victory against the Nigerian side back in 2011.
D’Tigress started brightly, winning the first quarter 22–17 and narrowly edging the second 21–20.
However, Senegal stormed back in the third quarter with a dominant 21–9 performance, swinging momentum their way.
But the Nigerian ladies showed grit and composure in the decisive final quarter, overpowering Senegal 23–10 to seal the contest and punch their ticket to a fifth consecutive AfroBasket final.
They’ll now face the winner of the second semifinal between Mali and South Sudan, with the title and continental bragging rights on the line.
Under coach Rena Wakama, D’Tigress are chasing a historic fifth straight AfroBasket crown, something no African team has achieved.
Already qualified for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, Nigeria now have their eyes firmly set on writing another golden chapter in African basketball history.