There’s so much at stake in the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Final that it could enter the history books as one of the most evenly-matched games ever played.
From experienced to talented players, this year’s Women’s AfroBasket Final is a must-watch game. It will end today Saturday, August 5, with the final clash between Nigeria and Senegal in Kigali, Rwanda.
Taking a look at both teams, they exceeded expectations by reaching the Championship Game. They will give all they have to bring home the most coveted trophy in women’s basketball in Africa.
This game will also come down in history as the one that gave Senegal its 12th continental crown, or that saw Nigeria lift the trophy for the fourth edition in a row to become only the second nation to do so after… Senegal in 1974, 1977, 1979 and 1981.
So tighten your seats and prepare for the final showdown.
How did they qualify for the final?
Nigeria have had a smooth start to their tournament and have kept a flawless record since they set foot on the court at the BK Arena.
Their 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket saw them finish with significant victories over DR Congo, Egypt, Mozambique and Rwanda.
Senegal, on the other hand, has a 3-2 record.
While the Lionesses suffered losses against Uganda and Mali, they subsequently adopted some changes to their habits and overcame Egypt, Cameroon and Mali to make it to the Final.
Remake
The 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket will be a remake of the 2019 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket hosted by Senegal. Nigeria won their second straight title after seeing off the hosts 60-55 in a packed Dakar Arena.
They would later meet again, this time at the 2021 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Semi-Finals in Yaounde, Cameroon, and Nigeria again walked away with a flawless victory 73-63.
Nigeria claimed the famous three-peat in Cameroon’s capital city.
African titles
Between them, these two countries share 16 titles. But the most decorated team is Senegal, who won the trophy 11 times, in 1974, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1984, 1990, 1993, 1997, 2001, 2009 and 2015.
Nigeria have been on top of women’s basketball in Africa five times: 2003, 2005, 2017, 2019 and 2021. Who will add another trophy to their cabinet on August 5?
Team captains
Both team captains have achieved the honor of winning the Women’s AfroBasket Finals.
Aya Traore, Senegal’s captain, has participated in six tournament editions (2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017), played in four finals and was crowned MVP twice (2009, 2015).
Sarah Ogoke, the Nigerian captain, has also featured in five Women’s AfroBaskets (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021).
Left out of Nigeria’s Tokyo 2020 squad, Ogoke has reached the finals three times and has never lost. This will be her seventh appearance at the Women’s AfroBasket, just like her Senegalese counterpart.
The other players
Along with the experienced captains, other players have also participated in different editions of FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.
Among them, Oumoul Saar, Couna Dao, Yacine Diop and Fatou Dieng have all suited up for Senegal in past tournament editions.
Amy Okonkwo, Pallas Kuyani-Akpanah and Nicole Enabosi answered Nigeria’s call to defend the country at the competition.
A battle of sharpshooters
Two players have stood out for their respective teams.
Cierra Dillard has been instrumental in Senegal’s comeback, averaging 21 points per game. Amy Okonkwo leads Nigeria with 18.3 points per game.
The battle between the two sharpshooters promises to be epic. Who will lead their country to continental glory?
Gaye v Wakama
Rena Wakama is the only female head coach at the 2023 edition of FIBA’s flagship event for women.
And if she leads Nigeria to victory, she will be the first female coach to accomplish this feat in the history of FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.
In the event that Senegal wins the tournament, Moustapha Gaye will add another medal to his collection after 2009 and 2015.
