The match, which was a highly anticipated showdown between two West African powerhouses, started promisingly for Nigeria, who led after the first quarter. However, a significant drop in form during the second and third quarters allowed Senegal to take control of the game and establish a commanding lead.
Despite D'Tigers' efforts to rally in the final quarter, the deficit proved too large to overcome. Senegal's superior performance in the middle of the game ultimately secured their victory and eliminated the Nigerian team from the competition.
This loss concludes a tournament journey that had shown great promise for D'Tigers. After a flawless run through the group stage, where they secured impressive victories over Madagascar, Tunisia, and Cameroon, the team had been tipped as a strong contender for the title.
While the result is a disappointment, the team will now turn their focus to the future. D'Tigers are scheduled to regroup and begin preparations for the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, with the aim of securing a spot at the global tournament.