BAMAKO (FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2017) – Nigeria are unbeaten in seven games at the ongoing FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2017 and when they take on Senegal in the Final on Sunday, it will be a fierce battle for the African crown at the Palais des Sports Salamatou Maiga.

This is a repeat of the 2005 Final when Nigeria defeated the Lionesses 64-57 for their second African title in Abuja but there is a new rivalry between the two sides as D'Tigress defeated Senegal in their last group match 58-54 to top Group B. 

Nigeria are looking for their third title after bursting onto the scene to win two back-to-back titles in 2003 in Mozambique and at home in Abuja two years later. 

Senegal's top scorer Astou Traore is aware of the challenge ahead of them and she told FIBA.basketball : "We have to concentrate in this game because Nigeria is a very good side. It will be a tough match but we are ready."

D'Tigress, as the Nigerian side is commonly known, is a side chasing a legacy and with a new-look youthful side, they have been unstoppable at the continental competition even when they saw off hosts Mali 48-47 in a very highly contested Semi-Final. 

Nigerian forward Ndidi Madu said, "We have to focus and do the little things if it is rebounding or scoring." 

Ahead of the 25th edition Final on Sunday, Senegal have won 12 titles and played in 16 Finals, a record held by no other side in African women's basketball. 

Key battles

EZINNE KALU (NGR) vs NDEYE SENE (SEN)

The point guard battle will be real from the back court. Both love to score but on a night when the paint will be the center of focus, a supportive role will be appreciated from their teammates. 

Ndeye will have her work cut out to stop Kalu who is averaging 12.1 points per game, has made 23 assists and 17 steals so far at the moment, impressive statistics enough to worry the Senegalese camp. 

ASTOU TRAORE (SEN) vs NDIDI MADU (NGR)

Senegal's most lethal player at the tournament Astou Traore has scored the most points at the tournament - 156 with an average of 22.3 points per game. 

Her experience has played a very crucial role for the reigning champions and indeed they will be looking up to her for inspiration. Not backed by the numbers but her opposite number, Ndidi Madu of Nigeria will have to stop her if the ground is to be leveled for a challenge. 

EVELYN AKHATOR (NGR) vs RAMATA DAOU (SEN)

WNBA 2017 Draft pick for the Dallas Wings Evelyn Akhator has been unstoppable at the tournament. Nigeria's best player thus far is averaging 15.6 points and has picked a total of 69 rebounds, two less than the leader Naignouma Coulibaly. 

However, Ramata Daou brings a big presence in the paint for Senegal as well as the upcoming 21-year old Aicha Sidibe who has grown in leaps and bounds since the start of the tournament. It will be a physical battle this one.

Courtesy of qualifying for the Final, both Nigeria and Senegal have qualified for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 in Spain. 

FIBA