Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have reached their fifth consecutive AfroBasket final after a thrilling 75-68 comeback win over Senegal on Saturday night at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
D’Tigress started the game strongly, winning the first quarter 22-17 and edging the second quarter 21-20. However, Senegal bounced back fiercely in the third quarter, outscoring Nigeria 21-9 and taking a 58-52 lead into the final quarter.
But in a dramatic turnaround, Nigeria dominated the fourth quarter 23-10, sealing the comeback win. Both coaches used time-outs and tactical changes as they tried to outsmart each other, but Coach Rena Wakama – known for her calmness and sharp dressing – guided her side past Senegal’s Coach Otis Hughley Jr.
Senegal’s Cierra Dillard was the standout performer with 27 efficiency points and 26 total points, the highest of the game. Ezinne Kalu led Nigeria’s scoring with 19 points, while Amy Okonkwo also made key contributions. Cierra Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah shared the highest rebound record (7) with Dillard.
The match officials were Chueca Artadina (Spain), Zouzou Nadaye (Ivory Coast), and Ahmed Aya Khaled (Egypt), with Olinga Joy Abooki serving as the Match Commissioner.
This latest win means Nigeria now have a 10-5 head-to-head record against Senegal in 15 AfroBasket meetings. Their recent dominance includes victories in the 2017 final (65-48), 2019 final (60-55), 2021 semifinal (73-63), and 2023 final (84-74). Nigeria also beat Senegal 72-65 at the 2024 Olympic Qualifiers.
To reach the semifinals:
- Senegal beat Ivory Coast 66-60
- Nigeria crushed Cameroon 83-47
- Mali defeated Mozambique 86-68
- South Sudan edged Uganda 69-68
Later tonight, Mali will play South Sudan at 10pm in the second semifinal. On Sunday, Senegal will battle for third place at 3:30pm, while Nigeria will contest the final at 7pm.
All four semifinalists – Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, and South Sudan – have qualified for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany, scheduled for 4th to 13th September 2026.
They will join 24 other teams, including:
- Americas: USA, Brazil, Canada, Puerto Rico, Colombia
- Asia & Oceania: China, Japan, Korea, Philippines, New Zealand, Australia
- Europe: Germany (hosts), Czech Republic, Hungary, Belgium, France, Italy, Turkey.