Senegal celebrate making another FIBA Women's AfroBasket final as they eye their first title since 2015 ©FIBA

Defending champions Nigeria and 11-time winners Senegal are set for another showdown in the final of the International Basketball Federation Women's AfroBasket in Kigali.

It will be the fourth time the two countries have met in the final of the tournament, with the last of those coming in 2019.

Senegal have won more Women's AfroBasket titles than any other nation but have lost all four finals against Nigeria, who are seeking to be crowned champions for the fourth time in succession.

After missing out on the final two years ago, Senegal sealed their place in the gold-medal match with a 75-65 victory over 2021 runners-up Mali at the BK Arena.

Senegal started their campaign in the Rwandan capital with defeats to Uganda and Mali but have bounced back in fine fashion.

Cierra Dillard was the star of the show for Senegal, rattling in 33 points, while Aya Traore contributed with 16 points.

Sika Kone top scored for Mali with 20 points but it was not enough to avoid defeat against Senegal, who last sealed the title in 2015.

"It’s not the same scenario as in 2015, but our captain was there and she kept repeating that anything is possible," said Dillard.

"Not that 2015 is going to repeat itself, but that anything is possible and that we had to keep fighting.

"It’s not how you start, but how you finish.

"I’m gunning for a title here."

Nigeria reached the final for the fourth consecutive edition thanks to a 79-48 triumph against hosts Rwanda.

Amy Okonkwo lead the scoring with 28 points as well as 10 rebounds, two steals and two assists.

Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, Elizabeth Balogun and Olaoluwatomi Oluwayemisi and Taiwo also hit double figures in Nigeria’s victory.

Destiney Promise notched 21 points but Rwanda were only able to hold the lead for 90 seconds before Nigeria stormed to victory.

"The team that won two years ago was a phenomenal team," said Kunaiyi-Akpanah.

"But I think this team as well can fill those shoes.

"Under the leadership of coach Rena [Wakama], we are in a good spot to repeat that win."

Competition is due to continue tomorrow with the classification matches, followed by the final between Nigeria and Senegal and bronze-medal match between Rwanda and Mali on Saturday (August 5).