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| Image:DailyPost |
Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has etched its name into African basketball history by winning the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship, defeating Mali 78–64 in the final played on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The win not only gave the team its fifth consecutive continental title a feat no other African team has achieved but also extended their incredible unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games, dating back to 2017.
The final was a thrilling encounter that tested the character and quality of D’Tigress. Despite trailing 21–26 at the end of the first quarter, the Nigerian ladies maintained their composure and gradually clawed their way back into the game.
Spearheaded by the electrifying performances of Amy Okonkwo and Ezinne Kalu, Nigeria managed to level the score at halftime, 41–41. Kalu led the scoring charge with 20 points, while Okonkwo followed closely with 19 points, including a pivotal three-point play that shifted momentum in Nigeria’s favour during the third quarter.
Mali, led by the impressive duo of Sika Koné and Amina Dembele, came into the final seeking revenge after repeated losses to Nigeria in previous tournaments.
However, the depth and discipline of D’Tigress proved too much. Victoria Macaulay, Murjanatu Musa, and Promise Amukamara all made key contributions, especially during crunch moments.
In the decisive third quarter, Nigeria tightened their defense, outscoring Mali 20–15 and entering the fourth quarter with a 61–56 lead. From that point, the team never looked back, closing out the game with a commanding 17–8 run that emphasized their dominance and determination.
Reacting to the victory, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement from the State House issued on Sunday, August 3, commended the players and coaching staff for bringing pride to the nation.
“Your discipline, teamwork, and consistency have brought great honour to Nigeria,” the President said, also praising Head Coach Rena Wakama for her inspirational leadership.
Coach Wakama, who became the first female head coach to win the title in 2023, now adds a second AfroBasket crown to her legacy. Her calm presence and sharp tactical approach have been instrumental in grooming a youthful and dynamic squad capable of rising to any challenge.
This latest triumph adds to Nigeria’s previous AfroBasket titles in 2003, 2005, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023 making it a total of seven championships. Their consistent excellence continues to set the standard for women’s basketball in Africa.
The 2025 final came just a day after Nigeria edged past Senegal in a tense semifinal clash, which many fans dubbed “the final before the final.” Yet, D’Tigress showed that they had enough left in the tank to finish strong against a determined Malian side, further solidifying their legacy as queens of African basketball.
As celebrations continue back home and among fans worldwide, one thing is certain: D’Tigress are not just champions they are history makers.
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