2025 WOMEN’S AFROBASKET: – Wakama declares Senegal can’t stop D’Tigress’ title quest; 3 D’Tigress Stars shortlisted for MVP Award

D’Tigress head coach Rena Wakama has said her players are firmly focused on the clash with Senegal.

The competition, currently at the knockout stage, is taking place at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Nigeria, and Senegal will clash in the semi-final of the ongoing 2025 Women’s AfroBasket on Saturday.

D’Tigress defeated Cameroon 83-47 in their quarter-final fixture at the Palais Des Sports de Treichville, Abidjan on Thursday night.

Senegal on the hand breezed past hosts Cote d’Ivoire 66-60 to book a spot in the last four.

Wakama is expecting a difficult test against Senegal but is optimistic his team will prevail.

Wakama’s side are unbeaten in their last 27 outings at the Women’s AfroBasket finals. Senegal will be desperate to put an end to the run.

D’ Tigress are looking to win a fifth consecutive title in Cote d’Ivoire, and are two games away from achieving their objective.

The four semi-finalists have all qualified for the qualifying tournament of the 2026 World Championship in Germany, while the winner of the Aftobasket will get an automatic ticket to the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s D’Tigress players Murjanatu Musa, Amy Okonkwo, and Ezinne Kalu have been nominated for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the ongoing 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament.

The 29th edition of the biennial tournament has produced thrilling games, surprising results, and standout individual performances.

Musa, Okonkwo, and Kalu are among 20 players shortlisted for the prestigious MVP honour through a Fan Vote, which will conclude at the end of the tournament on Sunday, August 3.
Other notable nominees include Cameroon’s Dulcy Fankam and Jessica

Thomas, Egypt’s Raneem Elgewady, Rwanda’s Bella Murekatete, Senegal’s Cierra Dillard and Ndioma Kane, Mali’s Sika Koné and Maimouna Haidara, Uganda’s Paige Robinson and Jane Asinde, Guinea’s Masseny Kaba, South Sudan’s Nyamer Diew, Angola’s Sara Caetano, Mozambique’s Leia Dongue and Ingvild Mucauro, as well as Molly Kaiser and Kariata Diaby of host nation Ivory Coast.