In a dazzling display of dominance, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, etched their names deeper into African sports history by winning the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship. Their fifth consecutive title and seventh overall.
The final held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, saw Nigeria overcome a spirited Mali side with a 78–64 victory. Despite trailing 21–26 after the first quarter, D’Tigress rallied to tie the game at halftime and then surged ahead in the second half, outscoring Mali 37–23 in the final two quarters.
Standout Performances
Amy Okonkwo: 19 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists. She was named Tournament MVP
Ezinne Kalu: 20 points, 4 assists. She led the offense with precision
Victoria Macaulay: 10 rebounds, 3 blocks. She anchored the defense with grit
Promise Amukamara: 12 points, 5 steals. She was relentless on both ends of the court
Murjanatu Musa: 8 points, 7 rebounds. She provided crucial second-chance opportunities
Coach Rena Wakama, who made history in 2023 as the first female head coach to win the AfroBasket, repeated the feat in 2025, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in African basketball.
With this win, D’Tigress extended their unbeaten run to 29 games, dating back to 2015. They are now the first African team, male or female, to win five AfroBasket titles in a row.
President Bola Tinubu congratulated the team, praising their discipline and team spirit. Fans across Nigeria have called for generous rewards, echoing the precedent set for the Super Falcons after their WAFCON triumph.
The victory also secured Nigeria’s spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers, where they’ll aim to carry their continental dominance onto the global court.
D’Tigress didn’t just win, they redefined excellence. Africa’s queens of the court continue to inspire a generation, proving that with grit, grace, and game, history is theirs to write.
Image Credit – FIBA
