D’Tigress solidify dominance in Africa with 29-game winning streak and back-to-back MVP honours
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — The Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has once again etched its name in the history books, becoming the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after a commanding 78–64 win over Mali in the 2025 final.
This hard-fought victory at the Palais des Sports in Abidjan didn’t just secure another trophy—it marked Nigeria’s 29th straight win in AfroBasket competition, a run that dates back to 2015. It also cements their place as the most dominant women’s basketball team in African history.
A Tough Final Against Familiar Foes
Despite their impressive form, this final was anything but a walk in the park. Mali, who have been knocking on the door of African basketball supremacy, came into the game determined to end Nigeria’s reign. They matched the defending champions in intensity and execution, forcing a 41–41 tie at halftime.
But true to their championship DNA, Nigeria found another gear.
“We knew Mali wasn’t going to hand us the trophy,” said Nigeria’s head coach Rena Wakama. “But champions don’t panic—they adjust.”
And adjust they did.
Okonkwo, Kalu and Macaulay Deliver Again
The second half saw Nigeria unleash their firepower, led by Amy Okonkwo, who delivered a standout performance with 19 points, 7 rebounds, and relentless energy on both ends of the court. Her effort earned her the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket MVP award, making her a two-time winner—joining elite company like Mfon Udoka and Aya Traore.
Okonkwo’s impact was immediate and emphatic. Her three-pointer early in the third quarter gave Nigeria a 44–41 lead, flipping the game’s momentum in their favour. From that point, the D’Tigress never looked back.
Ezinne Kalu led all scorers with 20 points, while Victoria Macaulay chipped in 10, with all three players combining for 49 of Nigeria’s 78 points—more than half of the team’s total.
Stats Tell the Story
While Mali edged Nigeria slightly in rebounding (37–36), their Achilles heel remained their perimeter shooting. Nigeria outpaced them in ball movement, racking up 24 assists, compared to Mali’s 16—proving once again that teamwork beats raw hustle.
Mali’s Sika Koné gave a valiant performance with 16 points and 13 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Nigerian juggernaut.
More Than a Game: A Legacy
This win isn’t just about another medal; it’s a testament to a golden generation of Nigerian basketball. From the emergence of young talents to the veteran leadership of players like Kalu, D’Tigress has built a culture of excellence, resilience, and results.
Their five-peat—2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, and now 2025—is unprecedented, and their record-setting 29-game unbeaten streak is a target every other team on the continent now aims to break.
The Final Word
As the final buzzer echoed across the arena in Abidjan, it wasn’t just a celebration of a win—it was the coronation of an era.
Nigeria now stands tall as the undisputed queens of African basketball. And with this momentum, all eyes are on how far they can go on the global stage.
Because this team? They’re not just champions—they’re history makers.
