- Safiu Kehinde
In what can be described as their first tough test at the ongoing 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket, the D’Tigress of Nigeria on Saturday edged past Senegal with narrow 75–68 win to advance to the final.
The Nigeria’s senior women national team had in a heated Afrobasket 2025 semi-final in Côte d’Ivoire denied the 11-time champions Senegal of a record-extending 12th continental title.
Nigeria, already on a four-title winning streak, were equally determined to maintain their dominance and extend their impressive championship run.
This however did not come easy as the defending champions narrowly won the first quarter, 22–17, in a fast-paced and closely fought contest.
Nigeria maintained momentum, edging the second quarter 21–20, in spite of Senegal’s resilient and aggressive display.
The Senegalese would showcase their prowess in the third quarter as they humbled D’Tigress with a huge 21–9 turnaround that shifted the game’s momentum.
The final quarter saw Senegal surged ahead, leading 68–62 with just seven minutes left, turning the match into a fierce battle for a final ticket.
However, Nigeria’s fighting spirit prevailed as they rallied strongly, producing a stunning 23–10 finish in the final quarter to win 75–68.
D’Tigress have now reached the final where they will face former champions Mali who defeated debutant, South Sudan.
While South Sudan battles for a third-place finish against Senegal, the D’Tigress will face off Mali in the final showdown today.