AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, extended their dominance on the continent tonight after defeating Mali 78–64 to win the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The victory sealed their fifth consecutive championship and seventh overall, cementing their status as Africa’s most successful women’s team.
Mali had started strongly, taking a 26–21 lead at the end of the first quarter, but Nigeria rallied through standout performances from Ezinne Kalu, who scored 20 points, and Amy Okonkwo with 19.
A decisive third-quarter surge and a dominant fourth period turned the game in Nigeria’s favour as they maintained composure down the stretch.
The triumph sparked widespread celebrations among fans and sporting figures.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated the team, praising their discipline and focus while commending head coach Rena Wakama, the first female to lead the side, for her tactical leadership.
Social media also erupted with congratulatory messages and playful demands for a presidential reward, echoing the $100,000 bonus the Super Falcons received earlier this year. Fans teased online that D’Tigress were “practicing the $100k dance” even before tip-off.
Tonight’s win extends D’Tigress’ unbeaten AfroBasket run to 29 games, a streak dating back to 2015, and confirms their dominance with titles in 2003, 2005, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023 and now 2025.
The victory also ensures Nigeria’s place in the qualifiers for the next FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, as the team looks to translate its continental success to the global stage.
