Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, are heading to the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket final after an intense 75-68 semi-final win over arch-rivals Senegal.
The thrilling encounter, held on Friday, showcased the team’s resilience and hunger as they extended their AfroBasket unbeaten streak to 28 matches — a run that now spans multiple tournaments.
Nigeria vs Senegal: A Rivalry Rewritten
Despite a shaky start that saw Senegal take an early 11-2 lead, Coach Rena Wakama’s side roared back into contention, finishing the first quarter ahead 22-17.
By halftime, D’Tigress had established a 43-37 advantage, controlling the tempo and outpacing their West African counterparts with slick ball movement and defensive hustle.
However, Senegal came out stronger in the third quarter, briefly turning the tide to take a narrow 54-50 lead.
But in classic D’Tigress fashion, the Nigerian women turned up the intensity in the final quarter, outscoring Senegal to seal a 75-68 victory and a place in Sunday’s final.
History in the Making
The win marks D’Tigress’ ninth consecutive victory over Senegal and brings them within one game of winning their fifth straight AfroBasket title — a feat that would further cement their dominance on the continent.
The team’s current run of 28 straight AfroBasket victories is already unprecedented and speaks to the consistency and depth of Nigerian women’s basketball.
