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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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.

The race for the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket crown hits its most intense phase this Saturday as the tournament’s final four—Nigeria, Senegal, Mali and debutants South Sudan—clash in the semifinals with championship dreams, national pride, and regional bragging rights on the line.

With qualification already secured for next year’s 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments, the focus now shifts to continental supremacy as two heavyweight duels take centre stage in Abidjan.

Senegal vs. Nigeria – 19:00 GMT

“The Final Before the Final”

The latest instalment of one of Africa’s fiercest rivalries headlines the semifinals, as defending champions Nigeria’s D’Tigresses face 11-time winners Senegal in what promises to be another classic encounter.

Having won nine of their 14 AfroBasket meetings, Nigeria enter the clash with a historical and psychological edge.

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.

Their most recent duel came at the 2024 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgium, where Nigeria triumphed 72–65.

A year earlier, Nigeria secured their fourth straight AfroBasket title with an 84–74 win over the Senegalese in the 2023 final.

Now coached by Rena Wakama, the Nigerians are chasing an unprecedented fifth consecutive title—a feat no African team has achieved.

Meanwhile, Senegal are gunning for a record-extending 12th championship, and their first since 2015.

Statistically, Nigeria holds a slight edge. They average 78.3 points per game compared to Senegal’s 77, and have been more efficient from the field (44.7% FG to Senegal’s 39%).

From beyond the arc, D’Tigresses also led, shooting 26% versus Senegal’s 20.7%.

However, Senegal has the upper hand in rebounding (48.3 rpg to Nigeria’s 44.3), and both sides are nearly matched in assists, making this a tightly poised battle.

Senegal, who were stretched by Côte d’Ivoire in the quarterfinals, must see stronger performances from their starting five if they hope to end Nigeria’s reign.

Mali vs. South Sudan – 22:00 GMT

Can the Bright Starlets Shine Again?

Mali faces surprise package South Sudan in the second semifinal—an encounter that promises fireworks following their narrow 55–53 Group B thriller earlier in the tournament.

Mali, the 2021 runners-up, have played like title contenders ever since that close opening win over South Sudan. They cruised past Cameroon in the quarterfinals (75–49) and dispatched Mozambique (86–68) to underline their title credentials.

Led by WNBA standout Sika Koné, Mali brings both experience and balance to the table, averaging 72 points per game, with a tournament-best 21.7 assists per outing. They also boast a solid shooting efficiency (41.3%) and average 46.7 rebounds per game.

But South Sudan are the story of the tournament.

Under coach Alberto Antuna, the debutants have defied expectations, coming from two opening losses to upset Egypt (75–65) and edge Uganda (69–68) in a gripping quarterfinal. Anchored by the energetic Maria Teresa Gakdeng (team-high efficiency rating of 18.8), the Bright Starlets top the rebounding charts with 51 boards per game—evidence of their grit and hustle.

Though statistically behind Mali in most categories, South Sudan’s athleticism, momentum, and belief make them dangerous opponents capable of springing another surprise.

Road to the Final

The winners of Saturday’s semifinals will battle for the AfroBasket title in the final on Sunday, August 4. The losers will meet in the third-place playoff earlier that day.

With powerhouse clashes and a Cinderella story still unfolding, the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket is set for a dramatic climax, celebrating the best of African women’s basketball.

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