D’Tigress Conquer Africa Again: Nigeria Wins Fifth Consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Title

Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have once again stamped their authority on African basketball, clinching a record-breaking fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title with a commanding 78–64 victory over Mali in the final on Sunday in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

This latest triumph not only extends Nigeria’s unbeaten streak in the tournament to 29 games, a run that began in 2015, but also cements their reputation as the undisputed queens of African basketball.

A Game of Two Halves

Mali came out firing, edging the first quarter 26–21 and raising hopes of an upset. However, D’Tigress responded with characteristic composure and grit, matching Mali’s intensity to claim the second quarter 20–15, and leveling the game at halftime.

After the break, Nigeria took full control. Reproducing another 20–15 third-quarter win, they seized momentum and never looked back, closing the final chapter with a dominant 17–8 fourth quarter to seal the title.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown:

Q1: Mali 26–21 Nigeria

Q2: Nigeria 20–15 Mali

Q3: Nigeria 20–15 Mali

Q4: Nigeria 17–8 Mali

Coaching History and Unrelenting Dominance

The victory adds another historic milestone for head coach Rena Wakama, who in 2023 became the first woman to coach Nigeria to an AfroBasket title. She has now led D’Tigress to back-to-back championships, guiding the team with tactical brilliance and a relentless winning mentality.

D’Tigress’ road to the final included a thrilling semifinal win over Senegal, where Nigeria overturned a six-point fourth-quarter deficit in dramatic fashion.

Eyes on the World Stage

This fifth AfroBasket title also guarantees Nigeria’s place in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments, keeping them firmly in the spotlight on the global stage.

D’Tigress: A Dynasty in Numbers

2017 – Champions

2019 – Champions

2021 – Champions

2023 – Champions

2025 – Champions

Led by standout players like Ezinne Kalu, Amy Okonkwo, Promise Amukamara, and Victoria Macaulay, D’Tigress have built a legacy of excellence, resilience, and continental dominance that continues to inspire a new generation of African athletes.

As they celebrate yet another golden chapter, Nigeria’s D’Tigress are not just champions—they are a dynasty, redefining women’s basketball across Africa.