Nigeria’s D’Tigress Extend Dominance with Thrilling Victory Over Senegal
Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, continued their reign of dominance in African basketball with a hard-fought 75-68 victory over their formidable rivals, Senegal, in the semi-finals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament. This win stretched their remarkable unbeaten run to 28 games, a streak that began in 2015 and underscores their status as the continent’s basketball powerhouse. The match, held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, was a captivating display of skill, athleticism, and fierce competition between two of Africa’s basketball giants.
D’Tigress entered the highly anticipated semi-final clash with a flawless record in the tournament, having comfortably defeated Rwanda and Mozambique in the group stage before overcoming Cameroon in the quarter-finals. Their impressive performances solidified their position as one of the favorites to lift the trophy and secured their qualification for the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament scheduled for the following year. Senegal, also a strong contender, presented a significant challenge to Nigeria’s quest for a fifth consecutive AfroBasket final appearance.
The game itself was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams displaying moments of brilliance and resilience. Senegal started strong, but Nigeria quickly found their rhythm, taking the first quarter 22-17. The second quarter saw a similar pattern, with Nigeria maintaining a slight edge to enter halftime with a 43-37 lead. However, Senegal emerged from the break with renewed energy, outscoring Nigeria 21-9 in the third quarter to take a five-point lead heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter was a testament to Nigeria’s championship pedigree. Despite facing a deficit and the loss of key player Murjanatu Musa due to fouls, D’Tigress rallied behind the inspired performances of Amy Okonkwo and Ezinne Kalu. Their clutch plays and determined defense enabled Nigeria to regain control of the game, outscoring Senegal 23-10 in the final ten minutes to secure a dramatic 75-68 victory.
This victory propelled Nigeria to their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket final, where they aimed to capture their seventh African crown. Ezinne Kalu led the scoring for Nigeria with 19 points and also contributed six rebounds. Promise Amukamara added 16 points, while Amy Okonkwo and Victoria Macaulay chipped in with 15 and 13 points, respectively. The balanced scoring attack demonstrated Nigeria’s depth and versatility.
For Senegal, Cierra Dillard was the standout performer, scoring a game-high 26 points. Ndioma Kane also reached double figures with 14 points, but their efforts weren’t enough to overcome Nigeria’s determined performance. Despite the loss, Senegal’s strong showing in the tournament earned them a spot in the third-place game. The match highlighted the growing competitiveness of women’s basketball in Africa, with several nations vying for continental supremacy.
The victory over Senegal further solidified Nigeria’s position as the dominant force in African women’s basketball. Their extended unbeaten run, coupled with their consistent appearances in the AfroBasket finals, speaks volumes about their program’s strength and the talent within their ranks. The win also showcased the team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure, even when facing a formidable opponent like Senegal. The experience gained in such high-stakes games will undoubtedly prove invaluable as they prepare for future challenges, including the World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria’s success in the AfroBasket tournament is a testament to the growth and development of women’s basketball in the country. The team’s consistent performances on the continental stage have inspired a new generation of young players, further strengthening the foundation of the sport in Nigeria. The D’Tigress’ continued success serves as a powerful symbol of national pride and athletic excellence, inspiring future generations of Nigerian basketball players to strive for greatness. Their journey in the tournament exemplifies the power of teamwork, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.
