D’Tigress of Nigeria have advanced to the final of the 2025 Women’s Afrobasket in Côte d’Ivoire following a hard-fought 75-68 victory over Senegal on Saturday, August 2.
The semi-final clash, held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, marks Nigeria’s fifth consecutive appearance in the tournament’s final since 2017.
Nigeria had earlier secured a semi-final berth after overpowering Cameroon in the quarter-final on Thursday. However, the game against long-time rivals Senegal proved to be a far more intense encounter.
The Senegalese team was coached by Otis Hughley, a familiar figure to Nigerian basketball fans. Hughley had previously led D’Tigress to three consecutive Afrobasket titles between 2017 and 2021, making this a high-stakes reunion on the court.
D’Tigress started strong, taking a 22-17 lead at the end of the first quarter. By halftime, Nigeria maintained the lead with a scoreline of 43-37, although Senegal narrowed the gap with increased defensive pressure.
The third quarter saw a shift in momentum. Nigeria’s scoring dipped significantly, managing only nine points, and the team trailed 58-52 heading into the final quarter.
However, D’Tigress regrouped and mounted a determined comeback in the final stretch. With improved turnovers, clutch shooting, and renewed energy, the team overturned the deficit and secured a 7-point win.
The Nigerian team will face either Mali in the final scheduled for Sunday, August 3.
D’Tigress are on the brink of making history by becoming the first nation to win five consecutive Women’s Afrobasket championships.
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