African champions, Nigeria D’Tigress, reached their fifth straight final at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasketWomen 2025 after pulling off a 75–68 comeback win over Senegal in the semifinals on Saturday night in Abidjan.
The defending champions, chasing a historic fifth consecutive title, were pushed to the limit by a fired-up Senegal side who came out blazing, taking an early 11–2 lead as they stunned Nigeria with fast-paced offense and aggressive defending. But D’Tigress quickly regrouped and closed the first quarter strong, flipping the momentum to win it 22–17.
Nigeria carried that energy into the second quarter and led 43–37 at halftime. But Senegal responded after the break, dominating the third quarter with a 21–9 run to regain control of the contest. D’Tigress entered the final 10 minutes trailing by eight.
But Nigeria’s fourth-quarter response was everything champions are made of.
The team played the game of their lives, fighting with the fury of a Tigress to silence a roaring Senegal and flip the match. They outscored Senegal 23–10 in the final quarter, showing exactly why they’ve reigned supreme on the continent for a decade.
Ezinne Kalu led the charge with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, hitting 9-of-11 free throws and steadying the team in pressure moments. Promise Amukamara contributed 16 points and 4 rebounds, while Amy Okonkwo had 15 points, 6 boards, and 3 steals. Victoria Macaulay added 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks, dominating early and anchoring the defense late.
Senegal’s Cierra Dillard was sensational, dropping a game-high 26 points, but Nigeria’s closing stretch proved too strong.
Final score by quarters:
Senegal: 17 20 21 10 – 68
Nigeria: 22 21 9 23 – 75
D’Tigress have now qualified for their fifth consecutive AfroBasket final and extended their incredible unbeaten run at the tournament to 28 games, that’s 10 years unbeaten on the continental stage.
One more win separates them from a fifth straight title. Nigeria will face the winner of Mali vs South Sudan in Sunday’s final in Abidjan.
