Chijioke Gabriel
In a historic and thrilling display of dominance, Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, emerged champions of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket tournament, defeating Mali in a gripping final clash held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan on Sunday.
Led by head coach Rena Wakama, the Nigerian side showcased resilience, tactical discipline, and a championship mentality as they overcame a determined Malian team to secure their fifth consecutive continental title—a record-breaking feat in the tournament’s history.
With this victory, D’Tigress have not only defended their crown once again but have etched their name indelibly in African basketball folklore. The win marks Nigeria as the first-ever nation to win the Women’s Afrobasket tournament five times in a row, following earlier triumphs in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023.
The final game saw standout performances from the Nigerian roster, with clutch scoring, defensive tenacity, and a well-orchestrated team effort that stifled Mali’s offensive rhythm. Coach Wakama, who became the first female head coach to win the Afrobasket in 2023, now becomes the first to win it back-to-back, further establishing her legacy as a trailblazer in African basketball.
Nigeria’s dominance in the competition reflects the country’s growing investment in women’s sports and the strength of its athletic development pipeline.
With each championship, D’Tigress continue to raise the bar for excellence on the African continent, inspiring a new generation of female athletes in Nigeria and beyond.
More reactions, highlights, and exclusive interviews will follow as the celebrations continue.