Defending champions, Nigeria’s D’Tigress, will face Mali in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket as they aim to make history by becoming the first nation to win five consecutive titles in the competition’s history.
The West Africans stand between Nigeria and the record-breaking feat after booking their place in the final with a dominant 76-50 victory over South Sudan in the second semifinal on Saturday. Earlier in the day, Nigeria defeated arch-rivals Senegal 75-68 to secure its spot in the title game.
Mali took control of their semifinal clash from tip-off, overwhelming South Sudan with a 29-8 first quarter. They followed up with consistent scoring across the next two quarters—21-11 and 20-17—before easing off in the final period, where they were outscored 14-6 after resting their starters.
The West African side will be looking to end an 18-year title drought, having last lifted the Women’s Afrobasket trophy in 2007 with a win over Senegal in the final. Mali also have revenge on their minds, as they lost to Nigeria 70-59 in the 2021 final held in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
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Confidence is high in the Malian camp following their commanding performance against tournament dark horses South Sudan. Nigeria, meanwhile, will be looking to recover quickly from their physically and emotionally draining semifinal against Senegal.
D’Tigress will need to be cautious of Mali’s key threats, including Sira Thienou, who scored 14 points in the semifinal win, as well as Djeneba N’Diaye (13 points) and Alima Dembele (11 points), among others.
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