Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has etched its name into the history books with a dominant 78-64 victory over Mali in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This win marks their fifth consecutive African title and seventh overall, a feat unmatched by any team in the history of the competition.
By winning five straight AfroBasket tournaments, D’Tigress shattered Senegal’s long-standing record of four consecutive titles (1974–1981), further solidifying their position as the undisputed queens of African basketball.
Fast Start, Strong Finish
The Nigerian squad, led by head coach Rena Wakama, made their intentions clear from the outset. They raced to an early 12-0 lead, applying relentless defensive pressure and capitalizing on every scoring opportunity. Despite the aggressive start, Mali regrouped and managed to claim the first quarter 26-21.
However, Nigeria didn’t allow that momentum to last. They bounced back in the second quarter, outscoring Mali 20-15 and heading into halftime with both teams level at 41-41. The second half was all Nigeria. D’Tigress took control of the third quarter by repeating the 20-15 scoreline and then delivered a clinical performance in the fourth, closing the game out 17-8.
Their composure in the final stretch ensured Nigeria retained their title, extended their AfroBasket winning streak to 29 games, and booked an automatic ticket to the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.
MVP Brilliance and Stellar Team Play
Star forward Amy Okonkwo emerged as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the second consecutive time. Playing the entire 40 minutes, Okonkwo tallied 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds, shooting an impressive 63.6% from the field and recording a tournament-high efficiency rating of 26.
But this victory was far from a one-woman show. Veteran guard Ezinne Kalu led the scoring with 20 points on 53.85% shooting. She also contributed five assists, four rebounds, and a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, demonstrating her all-around excellence.
Murjanatu Musa made her presence felt in the paint, dominating the glass with 12 rebounds and adding nine points and three steals. Meanwhile, point guard Promise Amukamara orchestrated the offense with precision, dishing out 11 assists and finishing with a +16 plus-minus, showing her influence despite scoring just eight points.
Victoria Macaulay provided valuable minutes off the bench, scoring 10 points and helping maintain Nigeria’s scoring momentum when the starters rested.
Numbers That Tell the Story
Nigeria’s shooting efficiency played a pivotal role in the victory. The team converted 49.2% of their field goals, far outpacing Mali’s 37%. Their dominance inside the arc was especially impressive, converting nearly 60% of their two-point attempts compared to Mali’s 44.1%.
While both teams struggled somewhat from three-point range—Nigeria hitting 8 of 24 and Mali 7 of 26—it was Nigeria’s superior execution in transition and defense that tilted the game in their favor.
Nigeria converted Mali’s 17 turnovers into 17 points. In contrast, Mali could only turn Nigeria’s 14 turnovers into 14 points. That marginal advantage highlighted Nigeria’s ability to punish mistakes and maintain discipline under pressure.
They also outscored Mali 10-5 in fast-break points and 8-5 in second-chance points, proving more clinical in key moments. Although Mali edged Nigeria in total rebounds (37-36), Nigeria’s 27 defensive rebounds limited Mali’s second-chance opportunities and kept them from clawing back into the contest.
A Decade of Dominance
D’Tigress have not lost a game in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament since 2015. Over the last ten years, they’ve constructed a nearly impenetrable dynasty, blending experience, youth, depth, and exceptional coaching. Their 29-game unbeaten streak is the longest in the competition’s history and underscores the consistency and resilience of the team.
They now trail only Senegal in overall AfroBasket titles, with Senegal having 11 championships to Nigeria’s seven. But if current trends continue, it’s only a matter of time before Nigeria closes that gap as well.
Mali’s Valiant Effort Falls Short
For Mali, the defeat marked their third loss in an AfroBasket final. They previously fell short against Senegal in 2009 and again to Nigeria in 2021. While the result was disappointing, Mali’s young roster—averaging just 24 years of age—showed flashes of brilliance and potential for the future.
Talented players like Sika Koné and Djeneba N’Diaye brought energy and determination to the court, but the squad’s inexperience proved costly in crucial moments. In contrast, Nigeria, with an average age of 28, leaned on their experience and cohesion to maintain control when the pressure mounted.
The encounter also added a new chapter to the growing rivalry between Nigeria and Mali. Since 2011, the two teams have been evenly matched, each winning three AfroBasket meetings against the other. Sunday’s final tipped the balance in Nigeria’s favor.
National Recognition
President Bola Tinubu joined the chorus of praise, celebrating the team’s accomplishment in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “You did it, girls! D’Tigress—superb performance to become five-time consecutive Champions of Africa and seventh overall. Well done, Coach Rena and the team. You have made Nigeria proud. I am expecting you all, along with the trophy,” the President wrote.
The national recognition reflects the pride and unity this team continues to inspire in Nigeria. Their success not only boosts the sport’s popularity but also sets a standard for other national teams.
Rising African Competition
Elsewhere in the tournament, South Sudan stunned basketball fans by edging Senegal 66-65 in the bronze medal match. The victory secured South Sudan’s first-ever AfroBasket Women’s medal, signifying a shift in the competitive landscape of African women’s basketball.
Alongside Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, and South Sudan will now join the qualification pathway for the 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup, offering more African representation on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
With this latest triumph, D’Tigress have reaffirmed their dominance but also set a higher bar for the rest of the continent. Their next target will be the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, where they aim to carry their winning momentum to the global stage.
For now, Nigeria celebrates a decade of excellence, a legacy built on skill, strategy, and sisterhood. And if their current trajectory is any indication, African basketball may be ruled by D’Tigress for many more years to come.
