Nigeria’s D’Tigress Clinch Fifth Consecutive Women’s Afrobasket Title
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have cemented their dominance on the continent after claiming an unprecedented fifth consecutive Women’s Afrobasket title on Sunday.
In a thrilling final at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the Rena Wakama-led team overpowered Mali with a 78-64 victory.
With this win, Nigeria becomes the first country in the history of the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket to win five titles in a row a remarkable feat that solidifies their place as Africa’s basketball powerhouse.
The defending champions had previously lifted the trophy in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023.
Sunday’s triumph also earned D’Tigress an automatic ticket to the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany, adding another incentive to their historic campaign.
The game against Mali, a side seeking revenge after losing to Nigeria in the 2019 and 2021 finals, began with intensity and grit. Mali took early control, closing the first quarter with a 26-21 lead. However, D’Tigress clawed back in the second quarter, showing resilience and tactical discipline to level the scores at 41-41 by halftime.
The turning point came in the third quarter, where Nigeria showcased their championship pedigree. With stellar performances from team leaders, the D’Tigress pulled ahead and led 61-56 heading into the final stretch.
In the fourth quarter, Nigeria tightened their grip defensively and widened the scoring margin, leaving Mali with no way back. The buzzer confirmed a commanding 14-point win and a historic fifth title a moment of pride not just for the team, but for the entire nation.
Nigeria’s journey to the final had been far from easy.
In the semi-final clash against Senegal, D’Tigress had to dig deep, overcoming a sluggish start and relying on a spirited fourth-quarter comeback to clinch a hard-fought win.
Head Coach Rena Wakama, who also made history in 2023 as the first female head coach to win the Afrobasket, was full of praise for her players.
“This team showed heart, resilience, and unity. Winning five straight titles is no small feat. The ladies played for the country, for history, and for the future of women’s basketball in Nigeria.”
The 2025 victory not only underscores Nigeria’s unrivaled dominance in African women’s basketball, but also reflects the growth of the sport in the country. With the World Cup now on the horizon, D’Tigress have yet another opportunity to shine on the global stage.
As celebrations continue across Nigeria and among fans worldwide, one thing is certain: this golden generation of D’Tigress has etched its name permanently in the annals of African sports history.
