The 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket final is set to be an epic showdown as Nigeria and Senegal, two powerhouse teams, face off today in what promises to be a closely contested match.
With so much at stake, this historic final has all the ingredients for an intense and thrilling game of women’s basketball.
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Both Nigeria and Senegal have surpassed expectations to reach the championship final, and they are determined to give their all to claim the highly coveted trophy of women’s basketball in Africa.
For Senegal, a victory in this final would mark their 12th continental crown, further cementing their status as the most decorated nation in AfroBasket history. On the other hand, Nigeria aims to secure their fourth consecutive title, becoming only the second nation to achieve such a feat after… Senegal themselves in 1974, 1977, 1979, and 1981.
Nigeria’s journey to the final has been smooth, with an unblemished record since the start of the tournament. They have secured significant victories over DR Congo, Egypt, Mozambique, and Rwanda, displaying their dominance on the court. Meanwhile, Senegal faced challenges with losses against Uganda and Mali, but they regrouped and overcame Egypt, Cameroon, and Mali to secure their spot in the final.
This final is a rematch of the 2019 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, where Nigeria clinched their second consecutive title with a hard-fought 60-55 victory against the hosts in a packed Dakar Arena. They met again in the 2021 Championship semi-finals, and Nigeria emerged victorious once more with a flawless 73-63 win.
Together, Nigeria and Senegal hold an impressive 16 titles, with Senegal leading the way with 11 trophies won in 1974, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1984, 1990, 1993, 1997, 2001, 2009, and 2015. Nigeria, on the other hand, has claimed the top spot on five occasions in 2003, 2005, 2017, 2019, and 2021.
As the final looms, basketball enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting to witness this monumental clash of titans. The question on everyone’s mind is which team will add another glorious trophy to their collection. With so much history and pride on the line, this final promises to be a memorable and exhilarating spectacle.
