D’Tigress celebrate their semi-final victory over Senegal at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, on advancing to the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket after a thrilling 75–68 comeback victory over arch-rivals Senegal in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President lauds the reigning champions for their grit and consistency, describing their semi-final triumph as “the final before the final.”
“This was more than a semi-final match; it showcased the discipline, focus, and team spirit that have earned global respect for our players and coaches,” Tinubu said.
The victory marks D’Tigress’ fifth consecutive AfroBasket final appearance and extends their unbeaten run in the competition to 28 games, with their last defeat dating back to 2015. The team is now one win away from clinching a record fifth straight and seventh overall AfroBasket title, and has secured a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers.
President Tinubu also paid tribute to head coach Rena Wakama, the first woman to lead the national side, applauding her leadership and tactical brilliance. “Her guidance continues to inspire D’Tigress to new heights in this highly competitive sport,” he said.
The semi-final clash was a nail-biter as Nigeria trailed Senegal by eight points entering the final quarter. Ezinne Kalu’s crucial steal and basket, combined with Victory Macaulay’s hook shot for a 69–66 lead, powered the comeback. Nigeria closed out the game with a decisive 10–3 run in the last three minutes.
Senegal’s Cierra Dillard led all scorers with 26 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, dominating much of the third quarter. But D’Tigress held firm to claim their seventh straight win over Senegal.
Nigeria will face the winner of the Mali vs. South Sudan semi-final in Sunday’s title match as they aim to make history once again.
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