Nigeria clinches 4th consecutive AfroBasket title by beating Senegal

Nigeria secures their fourth consecutive African Women’s Basketball (AfroBasket) championship title with a resounding victory over Senegal on Saturday, August 6.

Nigeria lifts the AfroBasket trophy. Source: Getty

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The AfroBasket final was a rematch of the 2019 final held at the Dakar Arena, reaffirming Nigeria's dominance in Africa with this triumphant win over Senegal.

From the game's opening moments, D’Tigress secured a double-digit lead, maintaining their advantage throughout the contest. Despite Senegal narrowing the lead to just 3 points in the third quarter and even 2 points thanks to Cierra Dillard's impressive 3-pointer, Nigeria managed to keep control and entered the fourth quarter leading 62-57.

Although Senegal made valiant efforts to stay in the game, Nigeria maintained their lead, extending it back to double figures early in the final quarter. Key plays, including Elizabeth Balogun's clutch 3-pointer and Murjanatu Musa's successful free throws, solidified Nigeria's victory and broke Senegal's resistance.

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Nigerian basketball players celebrate their win over Senegal. Source: Getty

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Tournament MVP Amy Okonkwo delivered an outstanding performance with 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Ifunaya Okoro contributed 16 points and Sarah Ogoke added 13 to the scoreline.

Despite a losing effort, Cierra Dillard stood out with a game-high 19 points and 10 assists for Senegal. Oumoul Khairy Sarr Coulibaly also achieved double figures in scoring for the Senegalese team.

Apart from their victory over Senegal, D'tigress exhibited remarkable records throughout the competition: 69-35 against Congo, 83-65 against Egypt, 59-52 against Mozambique, and 79-48 against the host country, Rwanda.

Following D’Tigress's victorious performance, Coach Rena Wakama etches her name in history as the first female coach to secure the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket championship.

President Bola Tinubu has already extended his congratulations to D’Tigress for their triumphant victory in the FIBA Afrobasket tournament held in Rwanda on Saturday.