By Oluwatobiloba Adeoye, Abidjan | Saturday, August 2, 2025
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — Nigeria’s D’Tigress once again proved their dominance in African women’s basketball with a gritty 75–68 win over archrivals Senegal to book a place in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.
In front of a packed crowd at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, the reigning champions overcame a third-quarter scare to seal their fifth consecutive AfroBasket final appearance and extend their unbeaten run in the tournament to 28 games, a streak dating back to 2015.
The clash was a tense, tactical encounter between two of Africa’s most decorated basketball nations, and it lived up to every bit of its billing. Nigeria raced to a 22–17 lead in the opening quarter, but Senegal clawed back to trail by just six points (43–37) at halftime.
Senegal seized the momentum in the third quarter, outscoring Nigeria 21–9 to take a surprising six-point lead going into the final period. With a raucous Senegalese fan base roaring in the stands and Nigeria’s 10-year unbeaten record under threat, the defending champions responded like true veterans.
Led by 2019 AfroBasket MVP Ezinne Kalu, the D’Tigress mounted a ferocious comeback. Kalu’s pivotal steal and fast-break layup with two minutes left swung the momentum decisively in Nigeria’s favor. Moments later, Victoria Macaulay landed a hook shot to put Nigeria ahead 69–66—a lead they never surrendered.
Promise Amukamara sealed the victory with four calm free throws in the dying moments, ensuring Nigeria outscored Senegal 23–10 in the final quarter to complete a thrilling comeback.
Kalu, Amukamara, Macaulay, and Amy Okonkwo were Nigeria’s standout performers, combining for 63 of the team’s 75 points. Macaulay also anchored the defense with three blocks and three steals, while Okonkwo added physicality in the paint and scored crucial baskets at key moments.
Senegal’s Cierra Dillard was the game’s top scorer with 26 points, adding 7 rebounds and 3 assists in a valiant individual display. But her efforts were undone by her team’s 23 turnovers, 14 of which came in the second half. Dillard fouled out late in the game, just when Senegal needed her most.
Speaking after the match, Macaulay praised her teammates’ resilience: “On defense, we had to dig deep, trust each other, and get stops. We got there, and we won the game. I am thankful for my girls and for giving our all and playing together.”
Senegal head coach Otis Hughley Jr. lauded his young squad’s fight against an experienced Nigerian team: “We had nine players without AfroBasket experience. At some point, it looked like we could pull it off, but we just couldn’t get the stops we needed.”
With this win, Nigeria has now defeated Senegal seven consecutive times in AfroBasket tournaments, stretching back to 2011.
D’Tigress will now face Mali in the championship game on Sunday, August 3, 2025, as they chase an unprecedented fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, a feat never before achieved in African women’s basketball history.
Match Summary
- Quarter Scores: Q1: 22–17 | Q2: 21–20 | Q3: 9–21 | Q4: 23–10
- Final Score: Nigeria 75 – Senegal 68
- Top Nigerian Scorers: Ezinne Kalu (19 pts), Promise Amukamara (16 pts), Amy Okonkwo (15 pts), Victoria Macaulay (13 pts)
- Senegal Top Scorer: Cierra Dillard (26 pts)
Next Fixture
AfroBasket 2025 Final: Nigeria vs Mali
Date: Sunday, August 3, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM WAT
Venue: Palais des Sports de Treichville, Abidjan
