Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress in action
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, clinched a thrilling 75-68 victory over Senegal in the Afrobasket 2025 semi-final on Saturday in Côte d’Ivoire, earning a spot in the championship final.
The intense matchup saw the reigning champions fend off a formidable challenge from the 11-time titleholders.
The semi-final was a fiercely competitive showdown, with Senegal aiming to claim a record 12th Afrobasket crown.
Meanwhile, D’Tigress, riding a four-title winning streak, were determined to cement their dominance on the continental stage.
The game began with a high-octane first quarter, where Nigeria edged out Senegal 22-17 in a fast-paced battle. “Our girls showed incredible focus from the start, setting the tone early,” a team official noted. D’Tigress maintained their slight advantage in the second quarter, narrowly winning 21-20 despite Senegal’s aggressive pushback.
The third quarter saw a shift in momentum as Senegal capitalized on Nigeria’s dip in energy, dominating with a 21-9 scoreline.
“That third quarter was tough; Senegal came at us hard,” a D’Tigress player remarked. With seven minutes remaining, Senegal led 68-62, making the final a distant prospect for Nigeria.
Undeterred, D’Tigress mounted a remarkable comeback in the fourth quarter, outscoring Senegal 23-10 in a stunning display of resilience.
“We dug deep and fought as a unit to turn the game around,” the team’s coach said, praising their determination.
The victory propels D’Tigress into the Afrobasket 2025 final, where they will face the winner of the semi-final clash between first-time contenders South Sudan and former champions Mali. Nigeria now stands one step away from extending their championship legacy.
With their sights set on a fifth consecutive title, D’Tigress are poised to showcase their prowess in the final, ready to solidify their reign as Africa’s basketball powerhouse.
