Nigeria’s D’Tigress have made history by clinching a record-breaking fifth consecutive AfroBasket Women’s title, becoming the first African nation to achieve such a feat.
The Nigerian side overcame Mali 78–64 in a tense final, displaying determination and discipline to claim their seventh continental crown.
D’Tigress have now dominated African women’s basketball with an astonishing 29 straight victories since 2015—remaining unbeaten for nearly a decade.
As in earlier tournament matches, the Nigerians started slowly, but Coach Rena Wakama’s side found their rhythm in the second quarter, going into half-time with the scores tied at 41–41.
To reach the final, D’Tigress had edged past Senegal 75–68 in a thrilling semi-final widely regarded as the “final before the final.”
Amy Okonkwo and Ezinne Kalu starred in Sunday night’s final. Kalu notched 20 points, including several crucial baskets, while Okonkwo added 19. Promise Amukamara, Victoria Macaulay, and Musa also made vital contributions—Musa alone scoring nine points and collecting four rebounds.
The third quarter proved pivotal, with Nigeria tightening their defence and outscoring Mali 20–15. By the start of the fourth, they led 61–56 and never looked back.
This triumph firmly cements D’Tigress’ status as the most dominant women’s basketball team in Africa.
Following the win, expectations are high that President Bola Tinubu will reward the team generously, having recently gifted the Super Falcons $100,000 for winning their 10th WAFCON title.
President Tinubu had earlier lauded the team’s resilience and praised Coach Rena Wakama—the first woman to lead D’Tigress—as a symbol of courage and inspiration.