Nigeria keep Mission 5 alive with epic comeback over Senegal in AfroBasket semifinal
In a clash befitting the legacy of African women’s basketball, Nigeria’s D’Tigress staged a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback to defeat Senegal 75–68 in the semifinals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, keeping their historic Mission 5 title quest alive.
Played at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, the semifinal showdown brought together two of the continent’s most decorated teams—Nigeria, the reigning four-time champions, and Senegal, the 11-time titleholders. The game lived up to its billing, with momentum swinging wildly across all four quarters.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
Quarter Senegal (SEN) Nigeria (NGR)
Q1 17 22
Q2 20 21
Q3 21 9
Q4 10 23
Total 68 75
After a strong first half, Nigeria led 43–37, but Senegal roared back in the third quarter, outscoring D’Tigress 21–9 to take a six-point lead heading into the final frame. With their unbeaten streak on the line, Nigeria responded with championship poise, dominating the fourth quarter 23–10 to seal the win.
The victory extends Nigeria’s AfroBasket winning streak to 27 games—a run that began in 2015—and improves their head-to-head record against Senegal to 10–5, including seven straight wins since 2017.
Veteran guard Ezinne Kalu and forward Amy Okonkwo led the charge, combining for clutch baskets and defensive stops in the final minutes. The win also secures Nigeria’s place in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament.
Senegal, coached by former D’Tigress handler Otis Hughley, showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t hold off Nigeria’s late surge. Despite leading after three quarters, their offense stalled under Nigeria’s relentless pressure.
Nigeria will face the winner of the other semifinal between Mali and South Sudan, with a chance to claim an unprecedented fifth straight AfroBasket title.
