Nigeria’s D’Tigress will battle Senegal today in the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket semifinal, riding the momentum of an emphatic 83-47 victory over Cameroon that sealed their place in the last four and extended their unbeaten run in the tournament to 27 games.
Head coach Rena Wakama called the showdown both “emotional and physical” as Nigeria face their former coach Otis Hughley, now in charge of Senegal. “We know our mission here, and we will not allow anything to change that,” Wakama said, underlining the team’s determination to defend their crown.
The six-time champions, chasing an unprecedented fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, also secured the last African slot for the 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments with their quarterfinal win.
Senegal reached the semis with a tense 66-60 victory over hosts Ivory Coast, setting up a fierce West African battle in Abidjan.
Team leaders Murjanatu Musa and Ezinne Kalu credited teamwork and energy for Nigeria’s dominance, promising to “play Nigerian basketball” and “throw the first punch” against a familiar rival.
A win today would put D’Tigress in the final against either Mali or South Sudan as they edge closer to a historic continental milestone.
