Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, are just one step away from writing another golden chapter in African basketball history as they gear up for a high-stakes Afrobasket 2025 final showdown against familiar foes Mali on Sunday at the Palais de Sports de Treichville in Abidjan.
In a pulsating semifinal clash that lived up to its billing, D’Tigress fought back from a 12-point third-quarter deficit to edge out perennial rivals Senegal 75–68, booking their spot in a repeat of the 2021 final which they won in Yaoundé.
The comeback victory not only electrified the tournament but also extended Nigeria’s astounding unbeaten run to 28 straight games in Afrobasket competition since 2015.
The win places D’Tigress within touching distance of a record fifth consecutive Afrobasket title — a feat that would cement their legacy as the most dominant force in African women’s basketball.
Senegal Pushes, Nigeria Responds Like Champions
The semifinal clash was nothing short of epic. Senegal stormed into an early lead, threatening to upset the defending champions with a fiery start that saw them nine points ahead in the first quarter. Despite trailing 22–17 and 21–20 in the first half, the Lionesses roared back in the third quarter with a dominant 21–9 performance that left Nigeria staring at a six-point deficit heading into the final stretch.
But as true champions do, D’Tigress flipped the script when it mattered most. Led by coach Rena Wakama, the Nigerian ladies stormed back with relentless energy, discipline, and composure, outscoring Senegal by 13 points in the final quarter to seal a dramatic victory in front of a raucous crowd.
NSC Praises Resilience, Urges Focus for Final
The spirited performance drew glowing commendations from the National Sports Commission (NSC), with its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, lauding the team’s mental toughness and resilience.
“This is a history-making team,” Dikko declared. “These girls are the embodiment of the never-say-die Nigerian spirit. They didn’t buckle under pressure, even with the crowd against them. They fought with everything they had.”
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, also praised the team’s composure and championship mentality.
“I wasn’t surprised the Senegal game was tough,” he said. “They came with fire after losing to us in three of the last four finals. But our girls showed experience, calmness, and that champion’s aura once again to extend our dominance. This team knows how to win.”
Final Face-Off: Nigeria vs. Mali — Again
Awaiting D’Tigress in Sunday’s finale is a familiar rival in Mali, who breezed past South Sudan 76–50 in the other semifinal. Mali, the 2007 champions, will be seeking revenge for their 2021 final loss and hoping to end Nigeria’s reign.
But with momentum, history, and a laser focus on greatness, Nigeria will enter the final as firm favorites to lift a fifth consecutive title and etch their names further into the annals of African basketball history.
One more win, and the legend continues.
