Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have etched its name in African sports history by clinching a fifth consecutive AfroBasket Women’s Championship title, defeating Mali 78–64 in a gripping final held Saturday night in Abidjan.
The victory marks Nigeria’s seventh overall AfroBasket title and extends their unbeaten run in the competition to 29 matches, a record streak dating back to 2015 — unmatched by any other African nation.
With back-to-back triumphs in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, and now 2025, D’Tigress have become the first African women’s team to win five consecutive titles, affirming their status as the continent’s undisputed basketball powerhouse.
The final against Mali was fiercely contested. Though Mali started strong and briefly led in the first quarter, Nigeria regained control with smart tactics, quick transition play, and rock-solid defence. By the third quarter, D’Tigress had built a commanding lead, consistently holding their opponents under 20 points per quarter.
Amy Okonkwo led the charge with 23 points, while Ifunanya Ibekwe made critical contributions on defence and rebounding. Head Coach Rena Wakama was lauded for her strategic leadership, especially her use of tight zone defence and fast break execution that consistently unsettled the Malian side.
The victory sparked celebrations nationwide. Sports Minister John Owan Enoh congratulated the team, hailing them as “a benchmark in African basketball” and a “symbol of excellence, unity, and inspiration for future athletes.”
Officials of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) also commended the players and coaching staff, attributing the team’s continued success to long-term investment in women’s sports, discipline, and national pride.
With this milestone, D’Tigress continue to raise the bar for women’s basketball in Africa, solidifying their legacy as one of the most dominant teams on the continent.
