Obi Hails D’Tigress After Historic Fifth Consecutive AfroBasket Triumph
Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has congratulated Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, on their record-breaking victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.
The Nigerian side clinched their fifth consecutive title on Saturday, August 3, following a commanding 78–64 win over Mali in the final held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
In his reaction, Obi praised the team’s resilience, discipline, and consistent excellence, noting that their performance has once again brought pride and honour to the nation. Although his statement was brief, he emphasized that the team’s achievement represents what Nigerians can accomplish when talent meets proper support and teamwork.
“This victory is not just a win for Nigerian sports but a reminder of what can be achieved through commitment, unity, and focus,” Obi said. He encouraged the government and stakeholders to invest more in women’s sports, adding that D’Tigress’ success should inspire national policies that empower female athletes.
D’Tigress made history by becoming the first African women’s team to win five AfroBasket titles in a row, extending their unbeaten run in the tournament to 29 matches, a streak that began in 2015. The Nigerian team previously won in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023. Saturday’s final showcased their dominance once again, as they overcame a shaky first quarter to outclass their Malian opponents across the remaining three quarters.
Leading the charge was Ezinne Kalu, who scored 20 points, while Amy Okonkwo added 19 and was later named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). Other standout performances came from Victoria Macaulay and Murjanatu Musa, who controlled the paint and secured crucial rebounds.
The journey to the title wasn’t without challenge. In the semifinal, Nigeria faced a tough test against long-time rivals Senegal. Despite trailing early on, D’Tigress rallied to secure a 75–68 victory, earning their spot in the final.
Beyond Obi, several national figures also praised the team. President Bola Tinubu lauded D’Tigress for their determination and called their victory “a shining symbol of Nigerian excellence.” The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, expressed similar sentiments, stating that the team’s success is a powerful message to Nigerian girls across the country.
With this victory, D’Tigress not only cemented their dominance in African basketball but also secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin.
The team’s continued excellence is a beacon of hope for sports development in Nigeria, and many are now calling for increased funding and structural support for women’s basketball.
As Peter Obi and other leaders across political divides continue to celebrate the achievement, the team returns home to a wave of national pride, having once again written their names into the history books.
