In a highly anticipated showdown at the 2025 FIBA Women's AfroBasket, Nigeria's D'Tigress secured their spot in the final with a hard-fought 75-68 victory over their perennial rivals, Senegal. The semifinal clash in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, was a testament to the fierce rivalry between the two powerhouses of African women's basketball.

The victory not only extended D'Tigress's impressive winning streak in the competition but also marked their fifth consecutive final appearance. The Nigerian team, which is chasing a historic fifth consecutive title, faced a formidable Senegalese side led by their former coach, Otis Hughley. This reunion added an emotional and tactical layer to the contest, as Hughley's intimate knowledge of the Nigerian players made for a compelling battle.

D'Tigress started strong, establishing a lead in the first quarter with sharp offense and tight defense. However, Senegal fought back in the second, narrowing the deficit to make it a close game at halftime. The third quarter proved to be the most challenging for the Nigerian team, as Senegal surged ahead with a dominant run, putting the defending champions on the back foot.

But in a display of resilience and determination that has become the hallmark of D'Tigress, they mounted a remarkable comeback in the final quarter. Outscoring Senegal 23-10, they sealed the win and secured their place in the championship game.

With this win, D'Tigress will now face the winner of the other semifinal between Mali and South Sudan. The victory also confirms Nigeria's qualification for the 2026 Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments, alongside fellow semifinalists Senegal, Mali, and South Sudan. The article highlights the team's unwavering focus, with coach Rena Wakama and players emphasizing their mission to retain the AfroBasket title and continue their historic run of dominance in African basketball.