By Njoku Chijioke
Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have made history once again by winning their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title, defeating Mali 78-64 in the 2025 final in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Their remarkable feat solidifies their position as the most dominant team in African women’s basketball history and extends their unbeaten streak to 29 games.
Leading the charge was Amy Okonkwo, who posted 23 points in a commanding performance, while Ifunanya Ibekwe contributed significantly on both ends with crucial rebounds and defensive plays.
The win not only gave Nigeria their seventh overall AfroBasket title but also guaranteed them automatic qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was among the first to congratulate the team after their semifinal win over Senegal, which secured their place in the final.
In a statement on Sunday, she commended their dedication, calling their 10-year unbeaten run “a testament to commitment, hard work, and love for the game.”
She described D’Tigress as “true inspirations and pride to girls and women in general,” thanking them for elevating Nigeria’s flag on the global stage.
Ahead of the final, Mrs. Tinubu encouraged the team to remain focused and expressed confidence in their ability to bring home the title.
“I pray that as you step out for the final match, God will crown your efforts and grant you great success,” she said.
Her prayers and the hopes of millions of Nigerians were answered as the team once again rose to the occasion.
This historic win also breaks Senegal’s long-standing record of four consecutive titles between 1974 and 1981, placing D’Tigress alone at the pinnacle of AfroBasket success.
Their consistency and excellence have become a beacon of hope for the advancement of women’s sports in Nigeria and across the continent.
With their eyes now set on the 2026 World Cup, D’Tigress are not just champions of Africa, they are global contenders.
