Dubbed “the final before the final,” the game pitted two of Africa’s most decorated women’s teams in a dramatic showdown. Senegal stormed to an early lead, jumping ahead 11–2 in the opening minutes, but Nigeria responded emphatically with a 13–0 run, eventually closing the quarter ahead 22–17.
The second quarter remained fiercely competitive, with Nigeria eking out a narrow 21–20 win—a lead carried into halftime at 43–37. However, Senegal staged a strong resurgence in the third quarter, executing a dominant 21–9 run to take a 58–52 lead heading into the final frame. With seven minutes left, Senegal led 68–62.
Yet, D’Tigress displayed championship mettle, unleashing a decisive 23–10 burst in the fourth quarter to clinch the match 75–68—a signature comeback against resilient opposition.
With this victory, Nigeria not only earns another shot at continental glory but also extends its unbeaten run in AfroBasket play to a decade—28 straight wins since their last defeat in 2015.
Head Coach Rena Wakama’s leadership continues to propel the team to new heights. In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended his congratulations, emphasizing the team’s discipline, unity, and unwavering dominance. He described the match as “the final before the final” and commended Wakama’s qualities as a former player and the first female head coach to lead D’Tigress to historic continental success.
Nigeria’s semifinal victory also secures a berth in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments for D’Tigress, along with Senegal, Mali, and South Sudan.
D’Tigress will face Mali—who upheld their own semifinal victory over South Sudan—to complete the championship final showdown slated for Sunday.
Both teams enter the final with Nigeria chasing an unprecedented fifth straight title and a seventh overall, while Mali aims to avenge past final defeats against D’Tigress.
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