Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have reached the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket after a thrilling 75–68 victory over Senegal on Saturday at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
In what many dubbed the “final before the final,” D’Tigress displayed resilience and tactical brilliance to overcome a tough Senegalese side. The match began with Nigeria narrowly winning the first quarter 22–17, and maintaining a slim lead at halftime by edging the second quarter 21–20. However, Senegal bounced back strongly in the third quarter with a 21–9 comeback, temporarily taking control of the game.
Trailing 68–62 with seven minutes remaining, the Nigerian team launched a decisive rally, outscoring Senegal 23–10 in the final quarter to secure the win. The victory marks D’Tigress’ fifth consecutive AfroBasket final and their seventh straight win over Senegal.
The win also sees Nigeria qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments, alongside other semifinalists Mali, South Sudan, and Senegal. These teams will join 20 other nations—such as the USA, Brazil, Canada, Argentina, Puerto Rico, and Colombia—for the global qualifiers in March 2026.
President Bola Tinubu congratulated the team on their historic achievement, commending their discipline, focus, and team spirit, which he says have brought honour to Nigeria. He also praised Rena Wakama, the team’s first female Head Coach, for her inspirational leadership both on and off the court.
The President reaffirmed his full support for the team as they aim for their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and seventh overall, calling them a symbol of national pride and sporting excellence
Sources
- https://statehouse.gov.ng/news/president-tinubu-congratulates-dtigress-on-qualifying-for-the-fifth-consecutive-afrobasket-final/#:~:text=President%20Bola%20Tinubu%20warmly%20congratulates,hard%2Dfought%20victory%20over%20Senegal.
- https://punchng.com/just-in-nigerias-dtigress-defeat-senegal-to-reach-afrobasket-final/
