Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, etched their name further into the history books with a commanding 78–64 victory over Mali in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, held on Sunday, August 3, at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. With this triumph, the D’Tigress became the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket Champions and the first team ever to win five consecutive AfroBasket Women’s titles, underlining their decade-long dominance of African women’s basketball.
The match began with early intensity as Mali took control in the first quarter, outscoring Nigeria 26–21 with aggressive play and solid ball movement. However, the D’Tigress responded swiftly, levelling the game 41–41 by halftime after winning the second quarter 20–15. Nigeria’s depth and defensive adjustments began to shine through in the second half, particularly in the third quarter, where they built a slim lead before taking over completely in the fourth with a 17–8 run to seal the game.
Head coach Rena Wakama, who made history in 2023 as the first female coach to win the AfroBasket title, once again led the squad with poise and tactical discipline. The team showcased remarkable teamwork, physicality, and mental resilience throughout the tournament. Standout performances from stars like Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, Amy Okonkwo, and Victoria Macaulay played a pivotal role in dismantling Mali’s challenge and maintaining Nigeria’s unbeaten AfroBasket run, now stretched to 29 games.
Beyond continental glory, this victory ensures Nigeria’s qualification for the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (WOQTs) for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. It also highlights the incredible growth and consistency of the Nigerian women’s basketball program over the past decade.
Mali, who were also runners-up in 2021 and 2023, fought valiantly and showed flashes of brilliance but could not keep pace with the reigning champions in the final stretch. Despite the loss, their campaign was strong enough to secure them a spot at the World Cup qualifiers.
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