Nigeria’s D’Tigress advanced to their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket final on Saturday night in Abidjan after defeating Senegal 75-68. Senegal’s comeback put the reigning champions down in the third quarter, but they rebounded in the fourth to win the game.
With important contributions from Ezinne Kalu, Victoria Macaulay, and Promise Amukamara, Nigeria got out to a fast start and led 22–17 in the first quarter. Macaulay had three steals, three blocks, and thirteen points in the end. Nigeria had a 43–37 lead at the break.
Cierra Dillard scored 26 points to give Senegal a 58–52 lead going into the final quarter as the team rallied after the half. But D’Tigress put up a valiant fight back, with Kalu leading the way with 19 points, six rebounds, and three assists, and Amy Okonkwo making clutch free throws.
Okonkwo contributed 15 points, two steals, and a block, while Amukamara contributed 16 points.
In the final on Sunday, Nigeria will play the victor of the quarterfinal between South Sudan and Mali.
