Triumphant D’Tigress Return Home After Historic Fifth AfroBasket Title Win

Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have returned to the country following their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The team, who arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday morning, were warmly received by sports officials and supporters.

They are expected to be hosted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in recognition of their remarkable achievement.

D’Tigress secured their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and seventh overall after defeating Mali 78–64 in a dominant final performance. This victory extends their unbeaten streak in the tournament to 29 games, a run that dates back to 2015.

The 2025 edition of the tournament, which took place from July 25 to August 2 in Abidjan, saw Nigeria maintain a perfect record, overcoming strong contenders like Egypt and Senegal on their path to the final.

Speaking on their return, Head Coach Rena Wakama praised the players for their discipline, teamwork, and determination, calling the win “a moment of pride for every Nigerian.”

Captain Sarah Ogoke described the journey as “a testament to what Nigerian women can achieve when given the right platform.”

The victory has drawn widespread national praise. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, in a statement, congratulated the team, saying their consistency had “placed Nigeria on the global basketball map.” He urged greater investment in women’s sports across the country.

The team’s return and reception are seen not just as a celebration of sporting excellence, but as a rallying point for unity and national pride, especially ahead of preparations for the Paris 2026 Olympic qualifiers.