AfroBasket 2025: D’Tigress edge Senegal to reach fifth straight final
Nigeria’s D’Tigress are through to the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket after a thrilling 75-68 semi-final victory over arch-rivals Senegal on Friday, republican.com.ng reports.
The win, hard-earned and emotionally charged, marked Nigeria’s ninth consecutive triumph over Senegal and extended their unbeaten streak in the tournament to 28 games.
It also secured a fifth consecutive AfroBasket final appearance for the reigning champions, who are now on the brink of claiming a record fifth straight title under head coach Rena Wakama.
Senegal started brightly, racing to an early 11-2 lead, but D’Tigress responded swiftly and closed the first quarter with a 22-17 advantage. Nigeria maintained momentum in the second quarter, heading into halftime 43-37 ahead.
The Senegalese mounted a fierce comeback in the third quarter, overturning the deficit to take a 54-50 lead into the final period. But D’Tigress, showing composure and resilience, turned the tide in the fourth quarter with strong defensive play and timely scoring to clinch the win.
Nigeria will now face the winner of the second semi-final in the final as they chase their sixth AfroBasket crown and fifth in a row.
