Senegal’s basketball Lionesses are gearing up to face their long-time rivals, Nigeria’s D’Tigress, in the semi-finals of the African Women’s Basketball Championship.
The encounter, set for August 2 in Abidjan, carries heavy significance as Senegal seeks to end a decade of defeat against Nigeria and reclaim its continental glory.
For over ten years, Nigeria has dominated this fierce rivalry. Since 2017, the Lionesses have faced the D’Tigress in every crucial match—from finals to semi-finals—and fallen short each time.
“In total, there are six to seven consecutive defeats recorded against this opponent, symbolizing a blockage that the current team hopes to overcome,” analysts say. For Senegal, the challenge is not just winning a game but erasing years of frustration.
Senegal’s recent performance signals renewed hope. On July 31, they edged out Ivory Coast 66-60, rallying from a nine-point halftime deficit. A commanding third quarter (15-7) shifted momentum, with a dominant final quarter (24-17) sealing the victory.
Guard Cierra Dillard led the comeback with 16 points, reflecting the team’s resilience and tactical growth. “We knew we couldn’t go out without giving everything. Every possession counted,” Dillard said. Alongside her, Léna Timera contributed 11 points, highlighting the squad’s growing depth.
Meanwhile, Nigeria cruised past Cameroon with an 83-47 quarter-final win, powered by Amy Okonkwo’s 18 points and 6 rebounds. The four-time defending champions boast a seamless campaign marked by physicality, bench strength, and disciplined tactics. Their winning culture remains a formidable barrier.
Yet, prolonged dominance can bring pressure. Senegal aims to exploit any overconfidence with intense defense, teamwork, and controlled game tempo. This semi-final represents more than a spot in the final—it is a chance to restore pride. Senegal, eleven-time African champions, last lifted the trophy in 2015. The Lionesses are determined to rewrite history and break their Nigerian curse once and for all.
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