The stage is set for the ultimate showdown as Nigeria’s D’Tigress, on a record-chasing mission, prepare to face Mali in the final of the 2025 Afrobasket on Sunday’s evening at the Palais de Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
The Nigerian team showcased their resilience by overcoming perennial rivals Senegal with a score of 75-68 in a thrilling match that saw them recover from an early nine-point deficit in the first quarter and a 12 points margin in the third quarter.
A remarkable performance in the fourth quarter allowed them to silence a raucous crowd Saturday’s night.
After a closely contested first half, which ended 22-17 and 21-20 in favour of Nigeria, the Senegalese dominated the third quarter, outscoring the D’Tigress 21-9 to take a six-point lead into the final quarter.
However, under the guidance of Coach Rene Wakama, Nigeria rallied to secure victory with a commanding 13 points margin.
The win marks the Nigerian women’s team’s 28th consecutive victory at the Afrobasket since 2015, putting them just one game away from clinching a fifth consecutive African title.
In the other semi-final, Mali easily defeated debutants South Sudan, winning 76-50, as they pursue their second Afrobasket title, having previously won in 2007 in Senegal.
Sunday’s final will see a rematch of the 2021 final in Cameroon, where D’Tigress triumphed over Mali with a score of 70-59.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) has urged the team to remain focused and complete the task at hand in the final on Sunday.
NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko expressed pride in the team’s achievements, stating, “This is a history-making team, and I am very proud to say these girls embody the ‘never-say-die’ Nigerian spirit, as demonstrated by their determination to overcome Senegal.”
He added, “The girls did not allow the pressure from the opposing crowd to affect them; they remained calm and disciplined throughout the match, even when they were trailing in the third quarter.”
NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, reflected on the intense match against Senegal with confidence as they approach the final against Mali.
“I wasn’t surprised that the game against Senegal was tough for our girls, considering our dominance over them, having beaten them in the final of three of the four consecutive titles we’ve won,” he said.
“They were determined to end their losing streak against us, but our team demonstrated experience, composure, and the aura of true champions, ultimately handing the Senegalese their seventh consecutive defeat against us.”
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