By Seyi Gesinde
August 3, 2025
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has clinched its fifth consecutive, and seventh overall, FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title, defeating Mali 78–64 in the final held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan.
The win extends their unbeaten run in AfroBasket competition to 29 games, a streak dating back to 2015.
The team’s championship journey began under the shadow of uncertainty, as early as mid‑July, reports emerged that the National Sports Commission (NSC) had not secured flight bookings for the squad, keeping their departure date unsettled just days before the July 26 tournament kickoff.
The NBBF’s planned overseas training camp had to be canceled, and the team instead assembled in Abuja, compressing critical team-building into a single pre‑departure session.
Yet on opening night in Abidjan, D’Tigress quickly dispelled any doubts. They dominated Rwanda 92–45, led by Elizabeth Balogun’s 18 points and Victoria Macaulay’s 13.
A tougher group‑stage contest followed against Mozambique, but Nigeria fought through 13–9 behind in the first quarter to secure a vital 60–55 victory.
That win carried them into the quarterfinals, where they delivered a commanding 83–47 dismantling of Cameroon.
Amy Okonkwo led with 18 points, supported by Nicole Enabosi (12), Victoria Macaulay (12) and Balogun (11). All 12 players on the roster scored, a show of depth and balance that underscored Coach Rena Wakama’s leadership.
In the semifinal against Senegal, a heated rivalry and highly anticipated clash, Nigeria fell behind midway through the third quarter, with Senegal surging to a 68–62 lead. Drawing on their steely resolve, D’Tigress responded with a decisive 23–10 run in the fourth quarter, sealing a 75–68 victory and booking their place in the final.
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The final against Mali was tense at the outset, as Mali grabbed a 26–21 lead after the first quarter, but Nigeria chipped away, taking both the second and third quarters 20–15, to set the stage for a dominant finish.
A 17–8 fourth quarter capped the 78–64 win, with Ezinne Kalu tallying 20 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists, and Amy Okonkwo adding 19 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Mali’s Sika Koné delivered 16 points and 13 rebounds.
National celebration and leadership commendations
Upon their victory, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued a public commendation via his official channel, declaring: “You did it, girls! … Superb performance to become 5× consecutive Champions of Africa and seventh overall.”
He praised Coach Rena Wakama and her technical team, and announced the dispatch of a high-level presidential delegation led by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko to Abidjan.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu also joined in celebrations: “To God be the Glory… you have written another golden chapter in our dear Nation’s sporting history.” She honored the team’s discipline, unity, and their role as an inspiration to Nigerian girls.
Coach Wakama’s historic leadership
Central to this era of dominance is Rena Wakama, who in 2023 became the first female head coach of D’Tigress.
Wakama guided Nigeria to its historic Paris 2024 Olympic quarterfinal appearance, the first African basketball team to reach that stage, earning her the Best Coach award from FIBA for that performance.
Under her leadership in Abidjan, Nigeria not only defended their title, they rewrote a new chapter in African women’s basketball.
Despite pre‑tournament logistical challenges, Nigeria’s D’Tigress executed a flawlessly disciplined and determined campaign, each game building on the last.
Their path to the AfroBasket throne was defined by depth, tactical acumen, and mental toughness under pressure.
With this historic fifth straight continental crown, they have not only cemented their status as Africa’s premier women’s basketball team but also drawn global attention to their rising prowess under Coach Wakama’s leadership.
