Chijioke Gabriel
Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, the D’Tigresses, have booked their place in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket tournament after a hard-fought 75–68 victory over Senegal in a pulsating semi-final encounter held Friday evening in Abidjan.
The game lived up to expectations as a fierce showdown between two of Africa’s basketball giants, with both sides displaying grit, tactical discipline, and flashes of brilliance.
D’Tigresses, four-time champions and defending title holders, were pushed to their limits by a determined Senegalese side hungry to reclaim continental glory.
The match opened with Senegal taking an early lead, capitalizing on Nigeria’s initial turnovers. But the D’Tigresses responded swiftly, led by the sharp shooting and defensive resilience of team captain Ifunanya Okoro and forward Amy Okonkwo.
By halftime, Nigeria had clawed back into the game, going into the locker room with a narrow lead.
The second half saw momentum swing both ways, but it was Nigeria’s superior bench depth, quick transitions, and clinical free-throw shooting that made the difference in the final quarter.
The game’s standout performer, Promise Amukamara, delivered 18 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals, anchoring a team effort that eventually subdued the Senegalese threat.
With the win, Nigeria advances to the final where they will aim to clinch their fifth consecutive Afrobasket title and further cement their dominance in African women’s basketball.
The victory also secures D’Tigresses’ spot at the upcoming 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, keeping their global ambitions alive.
Fans across Nigeria and the African basketball community have taken to social media to celebrate the team’s achievement, hailing the D’Tigresses not just as athletes, but as national pride bearers.
The final is scheduled for Sunday, with tip-off expected at 7 PM local time. Nigeria awaits the winner of the second semi-final between Mali and South Sudan.