Nigeria’s D’Tigress have advanced to the finals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship after a hard-fought 75-68 victory over longtime rivals Senegal in a high-intensity semifinal clash in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The win marks Nigeria’s fifth consecutive final appearance in the continental tournament and puts them on the brink of a historic fifth straight title. With just one game remaining, the reigning champions are poised to etch their names further into African basketball history.
The semifinal showdown was a back-and-forth battle. D’Tigress came out strong, claiming the first quarter 22-17. Senegal, however, showed resilience and clawed back into the game during the third quarter, eliminating Nigeria’s six-point advantage.
But when it mattered most, the Nigerian ladies delivered. A dominant fourth quarter performance saw them outscore Senegal 23-10, sealing the win and keeping their title defense on track.
Ezinne Kalu led the charge with a standout performance, recording 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. She was ably supported by Promise Amukamara, who added 16 points, while Amy Okonkwo chipped in with 15. Victoria Macaulay also made a big impact on both ends of the floor, contributing 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 3 steals.
Senegal’s Cierra Dilliard was the game’s top scorer with 26 points, but her effort wasn’t enough to halt the Nigerian side’s momentum.
D’Tigress will now face the winner of the second semifinal clash between South Sudan and Mali in the final. One more win stands between them and a historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket crown.
