Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, battled fiercely to secure a spot in the final of the Women’s Afrobasket tournament for the fifth consecutive edition, overcoming a determined Senegalese side in a dramatic semifinal showdown.
The intense encounter, held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, ended with Nigeria emerging victorious 75-68. The match lived up to its billing as a “final before the final,” with both teams showcasing high-level skill and determination.
Heading into the fourth quarter, Senegal held an 8-point advantage and seemed poised to end their losing streak against Nigeria, but Coach Rena Wakama’s squad responded with grit and discipline. The Nigerian side overturned the deficit and outscored Senegal by 7 points to clinch the win.
Senegal’s standout player of the night was Cierra Dillard, who delivered a spirited performance. She led her team with 26 points, collected seven rebounds, and made three assists. Her efforts were especially crucial in the third quarter, where Senegal surged ahead by outscoring Nigeria 21-9.
Despite Dillard’s heroics, Nigeria’s Ezinne Kalu proved equally vital for the defending champions. She contributed 19 points and played a key role in stabilizing the game during its most critical moments. One of her most decisive plays came when she stole the ball from Lena Timera and converted a clean two-point shot. Victory Macaulay followed up with a well-executed hook shot that gave Nigeria a 69-66 lead, shifting momentum in their favour.
As the clock ticked down, Nigeria closed the final three minutes of the game with a commanding 10–3 scoring run, effectively sealing Senegal’s fate and confirming their own place in the final.
The triumph further extended Nigeria’s impressive unbeaten run in the competition to 28 games. The last time D’Tigress tasted defeat in the Women’s Afrobasket was in October 2015, during a third-place game against Angola. Since then, they have emerged as a dominant force in African women’s basketball.
With this semifinal win, Nigeria now awaits the outcome of the other semifinal clash between South Sudan and Mali to determine their opponent in the final. The D’Tigress remain focused on capturing yet another title and continuing their legacy as the queens of African women’s basketball.
What You Should Know
D’Tigress, Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, have cemented their dominance in African basketball by reaching their fifth straight Women’s Afrobasket final.
Their latest victory over Senegal highlights a 28-game winning streak dating back to 2015. The team’s blend of tactical execution and individual brilliance continues to keep them at the top of the continental game.
