With an average of 12.8 points per game, Amy Okonkwo has emerged as Nigeria’s leading scorer. The reigning MVP can shoot from almost every corner of the floor.

Djeneba N’Diaye is Mali’s top scorer, averaging 12.5 points per game.

Sika Koné is a force of nature who has been pivotal for Mali. She contributes on both ends of the floor, but she causes the most damage to opponents near the basket with her 10.5 rebounds.

Kone has also registered two double-doubles in four games.

Kone has the highest efficiency rating of any player heading to the finals, averaging 14.8, one more than Marjunatu Musa.

Okonkwo has been vital for Nigeria, but her teammate, Ezinne Kalu, has done it all.

From disrupting opponents’ crucial plays with her steals to scoring when it matters most, Kalu has proven to be a game-changer for Nigeria.

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Nigeria’s D’Tigress are one win away from a historic fifth straight Women’s AfroBasket title after overcoming a fierce battle against old rivals Senegal with a gritty 75–68 semifinal victory on Saturday night at the packed Palais des Sports de Treichville.

In what was arguably the most intense encounter of the 2025 tournament, the defending champions had to dig deep to extend their staggering unbeaten AfroBasket run to 28 games — a streak that dates back to October 2015. The win also marked Nigeria’s seventh consecutive victory over Senegal since 2011.

The tightly contested affair saw three major lead changes and a dramatic final stretch where experience and composure made all the difference.

Turning Point: Kalu’s Clutch Steal

With just under two minutes left on the clock and the score tied at 66–66, 2019 MVP Ezinne Kalu turned the tide. She picked Senegal’s Lena Timera clean and sprinted for a fast-break layup that restored Nigeria’s lead — a basket that proved to be the game’s defining moment.

Victory Macaulay followed it up with a critical hook shot to give Nigeria a 69–66 cushion, which would prove insurmountable as Senegal’s offense crumbled under pressure.

Late Surge Seals It

Down the stretch, Promise Amukamara delivered from the free throw line, sinking four consecutive shots to extend Nigeria’s advantage. The defending champions outscored Senegal 10–3 in the final three minutes, showcasing the poise and big-game mentality that has defined their reign in African women’s basketball.

Nigeria’s Big Four Deliver

The quartet of Kalu, Amukamara, Amy Okonkwo, and Macaulay powered Nigeria’s offensive engine, combining for 63 of the team’s 75 points. With Murjanatu Musa fouled out, Macaulay anchored the paint, finishing with three blocks and three steals to complement her clutch scoring.

Senegal’s Resistance and Dillard’s Heroics

Senegal’s leader, Cierra Dillard, gave a commanding performance with 26 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. She kept her side within striking distance throughout, but a series of costly turnovers — 23 in total, with 14 coming in the second half — undercut their comeback hopes.

Dillard’s frustration was evident after fouling out with nine seconds remaining on the shot clock. Her only major support came from Ndioma Kane, who added 14 points, as no other Senegalese player reached double figures.

Numbers That Tell the Story

Nigeria’s suffocating interior defence recorded five blocks and consistently disrupted Senegal’s rhythm. While Senegal shot a respectable 21-of-32 from the free throw line, those missed opportunities proved costly against a champion that thrives under pressure.

Voices from the Court

Nigeria centre Victoria Macaulay hailed her team’s resilience:

“On defence, we had to dig deep, trust each other, and get stops. We got there, and we won the game. I am thankful for my girls and for giving our all and playing together.”

Senegal coach Otis Hughley Jr., who previously guided Nigeria to two AfroBasket titles, saw promise in his young side:

“We had nine players without AfroBasket experience. We did something monumental by challenging the champions… At some point, it looked like we could pull it off.”

A disappointed Cierra Dillard reflected on missed chances:

“I wish I could take back my last three. I am disappointed in myself and my performance… I should have shown better leadership.”

The Bigger Picture

Officiated by an all-female crew — Ariadna Chueca (Spain), Nagede Zouzou (Côte d’Ivoire), and Aya Khaled Ahmed (Egypt) — this heavyweight semifinal was a celebration of the growing power and quality of women’s basketball in Africa.

Now, Nigeria awaits the winner of the second semifinal between Mali and South Sudan in what promises to be another test of their dominance.

One more win, and D’Tigress will hoist the AfroBasket trophy for a record-extending sixth time.

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After a hard-fought battle, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team has qualified for the final of AfroBasket 2025 after defeating Senegal by 75-68.

The victory has brought to10 the number of times that Nigeria has beaten Senegal in 15 outings.

Senegal’s last victory over Nigeria came back in 2011, when they won both their Group Phase and semifinal matchups. Since then, it’s been a decade of D’Tigresses’ dominance.

The Nigerian team won the first quarter by 22-17. In the second quarter, Nigeria won again, but by a narrow margin of 20-21.

But Senegal bounced back in the third quarter and overwhelmingly won by 21-9. The fourth quarter was decisive, as Nigeria won 23-10 to take the game by 75-68.

The Nigerian side will on Sunday face the winner of South Sudan versus Mali in the other semi-finals.