2025 Women’s AfroBasket: I Faced Nigeria While Injured – Senegal’s Cierra Dillard

2025 Women’s AfroBasket: I Faced Nigeria While Injured – Senegal’s Cierra Dillard

Sampson Adedeji

Senegal forward Cierra Dillard has revealed that she played through injury in the semi-final clash against Nigeria’s D’Tigress at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket Championship in Côte d’Ivoire, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Despite her efforts, Senegal fell short against the defending champions, who advanced to the final.

“There were some interceptions in the final minutes from the Nigerians that made the difference,” Dillard said.

“I think we mismanaged the last possessions and forced the three-pointers a bit. I don’t think fatigue led to this defeat. I wasn’t tired I’m actually angry about my performance. I could have been better for the team, but it wasn’t because of fatigue that Senegal lost.”

The former WNBA player went on to share how she battled to recover from a serious injury just to feature in the tournament.

 “Personally, I’m very proud of myself and my team. This is the first time I’m saying this publicly: I’m coming back from a ligament problem I had in December,” she revealed.

“I had six months to recover just to give everything for Senegal. Some people don’t know the efforts I made to be present at this AfroBasket.”

Dillard explained that the road to recovery was a tough one. “I never imagined I’d be in this tournament with Senegal because I couldn’t even walk, ride a bike, or climb stairs in February. But I gave everything to be here for my country, my teammates, my family, and myself. I’ll never give up because my God helped me overcome that moment.”

She also emphasized the resilience of her teammates despite their struggles.

“A lot of players on this team are going through tough times. It’s not just because of critics or haters it’s because of the weight of representing the country. But this team keeps fighting. I’ll never give up on Senegal because this team fought, my coach fought, and we all gave everything,” she concluded.