ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, on Saturday night secured their place in African sports history by defeating Mali 78–64 to win their fifth consecutive AfroBasket Women’s Championship title. The victory cements their status as the most dominant force in African women’s basketball over the past decade.
TJ News Nigeria reports that the triumph in Abidjan marks Nigeria’s seventh overall AfroBasket title, and their 29th consecutive win in the competition dating back to 2015 — a record unmatched by any other African nation in the tournament’s history.
A Historic Feat in African Basketball
With this victory, D’Tigress have now become the first African women’s team to win five AfroBasket titles in a row — 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025. The win against Mali was hard-earned, as both teams brought intensity and physicality into the final match.
The Nigerian side showed composure, tactical awareness, and athletic discipline throughout the tournament. Despite Mali’s aggressive start and early lead, D’Tigress quickly found their rhythm, dominating in transition plays and maintaining defensive pressure.
How the Final Played Out
Nigeria trailed briefly in the first quarter but bounced back with efficient scoring and a strong bench performance. By the third quarter, D’Tigress had built a commanding lead, holding Mali to under 20 points in each period.
The team’s depth and cohesion were evident. Amy Okonkwo led the scoring with 23 points, while Ifunanya Ibekwe contributed key rebounds and defensive stops. Coach Rena Wakama’s tactics kept Mali on the back foot, especially with Nigeria’s tight zone defense and fast break opportunities.
Reaction from Fans and Officials
The victory sparked wild celebrations among Nigerian fans at home and abroad. Sports Minister John Owan Enoh, in a statement, congratulated the team and praised their consistency and dedication to national pride.
“D’Tigress have set a benchmark in African basketball. This victory is not just a win for the team, but for the entire country. They have become a symbol of excellence, unity, and inspiration for future athletes,” he said.
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Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) officials also expressed delight, attributing the success to years of investment in women’s sports and the discipline of the coaching crew and players.
Nigeria’s Continued Dominance in AfroBasket
With this fifth consecutive win, D’Tigress have continued their flawless run in AfroBasket tournaments since 2015. The current squad blends international experience with homegrown talent, many of whom play in top leagues across Europe and the United States.
- Previous Titles: 2003, 2005, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025
- Current unbeaten streak: 29 matches
- Top performers this year: Amy Okonkwo, Ifunanya Ibekwe, Sarah Ogoke, Promise Amukamara
What This Win Means Going Forward
Beyond the trophy, the win boosts Nigeria’s FIBA ranking and secures qualification for future international tournaments, including the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (WOQT), where D’Tigress aim to compete at the 2026 Olympic Games.
The consistent success also puts pressure on the Nigeria Basketball Federation and Ministry of Sports to maintain infrastructure support and athlete welfare, especially with growing international attention.
