D’Tigress Make History with Fifth Straight AfroBasket Title

Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress has extended their dominance on the continent by defeating Mali 78–64 on Sunday in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, to win their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title.

The victory not only cemented Nigeria’s status as Africa’s top team but also broke Senegal’s long-standing record of four straight titles (1974–1981). D’Tigress now stand alone as the only team to win the championship five times in a row and have secured their seventh overall African title.

Nigeria stormed into the game with a 12-0 run but Mali edged the first quarter 26–21. Coach Rena Wakama’s side recovered to take the second quarter 20–15, leveling the score at 41–41 at halftime. Nigeria dominated the second half, winning the third quarter 20–15 and sealing the victory with a commanding 17–8 final quarter.

With this win, Nigeria extended their AfroBasket unbeaten streak to 29 games, spanning a decade and earned automatic qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.

Amy Okonkwo was named Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive tournament, delivering 19 points and nine rebounds in 40 minutes of play. Guard Ezinne Kalu led Nigeria in scoring with 20 points, five assists and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

Murjanatu Musa added 12 rebounds and nine points while Promise Amukamara directed the offense with a game-high 11 assists. Victoria Macaulay contributed 10 points off the bench, helping Nigeria’s starters control the tempo despite Mali’s bench outscoring theirs 26–22.

D’Tigress shot 49.18% from the field, compared to Mali’s 37%. Inside scoring proved key with Nigeria converting nearly 60% of their two-point attempts. They also outscored Mali in points off turnovers (17–14), fast-break points (10–5), and second-chance points (8–5).

President Bola Tinubu congratulated the team in a message posted on X, praising their achievement as a source of national pride and commending Coach Wakama for leading the historic campaign.

Despite the loss, Mali’s young squad showed promise and resilience. Players like Sika Koné and Djeneba N’Diaye impressed, but Nigeria’s experience and cohesion proved decisive.

Mali, Senegal, and South Sudan who clinched bronze with a 66–65 win over Senegal will now join Nigeria in the FIBA World Cup qualification pathway. The competition’s growing intensity signals a new era for African women’s basketball.