Nigeria advanced to the Women’s AfroBasket final for the sixth consecutive year after overcoming fierce opposition Senegal.
Nigeria, who are currently the defending champions, won 75-68 after three pivotal lead changes.
After defeating Angola in the third-place match in Yaounde, Cameroon, in October 2015, Nigeria’s Women’s AfroBasket winning run now stands at 28 games.
Cierra Dillard, Senegal’s steadfast leader, gave it her all to assist her country defeat Nigeria for the first time since 2011.
Senegal’s repeated turnovers in the closing minutes of the game, however, undermined her efforts.
After nine seconds on the shot clock, she finally gave up.
Dillard was named Senegal’s best player of the game with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.
With her 14 points, Ndioma Kane was the only other Senegalese player to score in double figures.
When Ezinne Kalu, the 2019 Women’s AfroBasket MVP, stole the ball from Lena Timera and completed with a fast-break two-pointer, she saved Nigeria from losing their winning streak.
Nigeria led 69-66 thanks to a hook shot by Victory Macaulay, which was theoretically unbeatable.
Nigeria advanced to the title game after outscoring Senegal 10–3 in the final three minutes.
The victor of the second semifinal between South Sudan and Mali will be their opponent.