Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, reaffirmed their dominance on the continent with a resounding 78-64 victory over Mali in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship, securing their fifth consecutive title and further etching their name in African basketball history.
The thrilling final took place at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, where the Nigerian side showcased their trademark defensive grit and offensive sharpness to outclass a spirited Malian team that had hoped to unseat the reigning champions.
From the opening tip-off, D’Tigress controlled the tempo, with strong performances from team captain Adaora Elonu and forward Amy Okonkwo, who combined for over 30 points. Nigeria’s ball movement, aggressive pressing, and superior bench depth wore down Mali’s resistance by the third quarter.
This latest triumph marks Nigeria’s seventh AfroBasket Women’s title overall, and their fifth in a row since beginning their unprecedented run in 2017. No other African women’s team has achieved such a sustained period of dominance.
Coach Rena Wakama, who took over the helm in 2023, praised her squad’s resilience and teamwork. “These women came here with one goal — to defend their title and make a statement,” Wakama said post-game. “They’ve done more than that. They’ve made history.”
With the win, D’Tigress not only extend their legacy as Africa’s top women’s basketball powerhouse but also earn automatic qualification for the upcoming FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments — a critical step toward Paris 2026.
Mali, who last won the title in 2007, fought valiantly, led by standout center Djeneba N’Diaye, but struggled to keep up with Nigeria’s pace and physicality in the second half.
As celebrations continue back home in Nigeria, this victory signals more than just another championship — it underlines the growing strength of women’s basketball in the country and across the continent.
