Nigeria's senior women's basketball team, D'Tigress, has secured a spot in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women's AfroBasket tournament. The team, led by coach Rena Wakama, defeated Senegal 75-68 in the semi-finals, held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Key Highlights of the Match
- *Early Struggles*: Senegal started strong, leading 11-2, but Nigeria rallied to take the first quarter 22-17.
- *Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown*:
- *First Quarter*: Nigeria 22, Senegal 17
- *Second Quarter*: Nigeria 21, Senegal 20 (Halftime score: Nigeria 43, Senegal 37)
- *Third Quarter*: Senegal 21, Nigeria 9 (Score after third quarter: Senegal 58, Nigeria 52 was incorrect - Nigeria trailed 54-50 after the 3rd quarter)
- *Fourth Quarter*: Nigeria 23, Senegal 10
- *Top Performers*: Ezinne Kalu scored 19 points and grabbed six rebounds, Promise Amukamara added 16 points, while Amy Okonkwo and Victoria Macaulay contributed 15 and 13 points, respectively.
Road to the Final
D'Tigress will now face the winner of the Mali vs. South Sudan semifinal in the championship match. With this win, Nigeria extends its unbeaten streak in the Women's AfroBasket to 28 games, positioning them strongly for a fifth consecutive title ¹ ² ³.
Implications
This victory not only secures D'Tigress' spot in the final but also confirms Nigeria's participation in the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament, alongside Senegal, Mali, and South Sudan ³.
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