Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have made history yet again, defeating Mali 78–64 on Sunday night to win the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The hard-fought victory at the Palais des Sports de Treichville marks Nigeria’s fifth consecutive Afrobasket title and seventh overall, cementing their status as the most dominant force in African women’s basketball. With this triumph, Nigeria also secured automatic qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, Germany.
Led by head coach Rena Wakama, D’Tigress showed resilience after a slow start, trailing 21–26 in the first quarter. They fought back in the second quarter to tie the game 41–41 at halftime. From there, Nigeria took control, outscoring Mali 20–15 in the third quarter and completely dominating the fourth, limiting Mali to just 8 points while extending their lead to seal the emphatic 14-point victory.
Ezinne Kalu and Amy Okonkwo were standout performers, scoring 20 and 19 points respectively. They were ably supported by Promise Amukamara, Victoria Macaulay, and Musa, who added crucial baskets and rebounds.
The win extends D’Tigress’ unbeaten streak in the Women’s Afrobasket to 29 matches, a run that began after their last defeat in 2015 against Cameroon.
Having previously won the title in 2003, 2005, and every tournament since 2017, D’Tigress have now set a record as the first country to win the tournament five consecutive times, a feat unmatched in African women’s basketball history.
Their semifinal clash a 75–68 victory over Senegal was considered the true test of their dominance, but the final proved their mettle and depth, leaving no doubt about their continental supremacy.
As preparations begin for the 2026 World Cup in Berlin, D’Tigress carry not just a ticket to the global stage, but a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire a new generation of African athletes.
