NIGERIA D’TIGRESS MAKE BASKETBALL HISTORY WITH RECORD FIFTH AFROBASKET TITLE

Nigeria’s D’Tigress cement their legacy with a fifth straight AfroBasket title, dominating Mali 78–64 to extend their unbeaten run to 29 games.

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In a performance that will be remembered for decades, Nigeria’s D’Tigress carved their names into basketball history with a resounding 78–64 win over Mali, clinching their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title and reinforcing their reign as the undisputed queens of African basketball.

With this triumph, the Nigerian team didn’t just win a tournament, they set a new standard. No other African women’s basketball team has ever achieved five straight titles, making this not just a victory, but a crowning moment for African women in sport.

Despite a rocky start that saw Mali edge the first quarter 26–21, Nigeria staged a masterful comeback, leveling the game 41–41 by halftime through gritty defense and clinical execution. From that point on, the game was Nigeria’s to command.

Leading the charge was tournament MVP Amy Okonkwo, whose all-around brilliance delivered 19 points (including four three-pointers) and clutch plays on both ends. Star guard Ezinne Kalu poured in 20 points, while Victoria Macaulay added 10, with the trio contributing more than half of Nigeria’s points.

“I am so excited we fought so hard, the Afrobasket is not easy at all. There are so many great athletes in Africa,” Ezine Kalu said.

Their opponents, led by Sika Koné’s double-double (16 points, 13 rebounds), showed heart and resilience, but faltered under Nigeria’s second-half intensity. A strong defensive stand in the final quarter limited Mali to just 8 points, sealing the game with a 17–8 finish.

Nigeria’s gameplay was marked by fluid ball movement (24 assists to Mali’s 16), effective spacing, and balanced scoring across the bench, with tactical contributions from nearly every player on the roster.

Head coach Rena Wakama praised her team’s mental strength and strategic discipline, “Our ability to stay calm under pressure, to adapt, and to stay united. That was the difference maker tonight.”

Beyond just lifting the trophy, this win marks Nigeria’s seventh AfroBasket title overall and extends their AfroBasket unbeaten run to 29 games, a streak that began in 2015. The feat spans five tournaments held in five different countries, showcasing a dominance that transcends borders and eras.

This title also secures Nigeria a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers, opening the door to global glory.

Meanwhile, for Mali, the silver medal signals hope. It is their best AfroBasket finish in nearly 20 years, and players like Koné and Djeneba N’Diaye proved they can carry the torch into the future. Captain Rokia Doumbia vowed a comeback:

“Today, we gave the best shot that we had, but it wasn’t enough. Congratulations to Nigeria. We are going to come back stronger.”

As the confetti settled in Abidjan, one thing was clear: D’Tigress had not just built a winning team; they had built a legacy. One that young girls across Africa can now aspire to emulate. Their relentless pursuit of excellence is not just rewriting records; it’s reshaping the future of women’s basketball in Africa.

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