Nigeria and Senegal Set Stage for AfroBasket Epic in Abidjan
The stage is set for a blockbuster semi-final clash at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, as defending champions Nigeria’s D’Tigresses take on Senegal, the 11-time champions and perennial contenders.
This matchup, scheduled for Saturday, August 2 is widely regarded as the ‘final before the final,’ and rightly so—these two West African giants have a storied rivalry that spans decades.
According to FIBA Africa’s official AfroBasket website, Nigeria holds the upper hand in recent history, winning 9 of their 14 encounters against Senegal. Their most recent showdown came at the 2024 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgium, where Nigeria edged Senegal 72–65.
Prior to that, Nigeria clinched their fourth consecutive AfroBasket title in 2023 with an 84–74 victory over Senegal in the final.
Senegal’s last win over Nigeria dates back to the 2011 AfroBasket, when they stunned D’Tigresses with a 89–63 semifinal triumph, followed by an 86–62 win in the group phase.
Since then, Nigeria has dominated the rivalry, including victories in the 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021 editions.
At this year’s tournament in Abidjan, Nigeria cruised through the group stage, winning all three games and showcasing their depth and cohesion.
Senegal, meanwhile, had a tougher path—finishing second in Group C and narrowly escaping elimination in the quarterfinals with a 66–60 win over hosts Côte d’Ivoire.
Statistically, according to FIBA Africa’s official AfroBasket website, Nigeria enters the clash with a slight edge:
Points per game: Nigeria 78.3 vs Senegal 77
Field goal percentage: Nigeria 44.7% vs Senegal 39%
Three-point shooting: Nigeria 26.2% vs Senegal 20.7%
Assists per game: Nigeria 18.7 vs Senegal 19.3
Rebounds per game: Senegal 48.3 vs Nigeria 44.3
According to FIBA Africa’s official AfroBasket website, while Senegal boasts superior rebounding numbers, Nigeria’s offensive efficiency and perimeter shooting give them a tactical advantage.
However, Senegal’s experience and hunger to end a 10-year title drought could prove decisive—especially if their starters rise to the occasion.
With Nigeria chasing an unprecedented fifth straight AfroBasket crown, and Senegal aiming to extend their record to 12 titles, expect fireworks in Abidjan.
