Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have booked their place in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament after defeating Senegal 75-68 in the semifinal on Friday.
The match, held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, saw Nigeria dominate the first quarter 22-17, but Senegal bounced back in the third quarter, briefly taking the lead. However, Nigeria responded strongly in the fourth quarter, closing the game with a 10-3 run in the final minutes.
Victory Macaulay and veteran guard Ezinne Kalu were instrumental in the comeback, with Kalu’s steal and assist sparking the decisive run. Cierra Dillard led Senegal with 26 points, but it wasn’t enough to stop the defending champions.
The win extends D’Tigress’ unbeaten run in AfroBasket to 28 consecutive games since 2015. They are now one victory away from clinching a fifth consecutive AfroBasket title—a record in the competition’s history.
Nigeria will face the winner of the second semifinal between Mali and South Sudan in the final scheduled for Sunday, August 3.
By reaching the semifinals, Nigeria have also secured qualification for the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
