Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, cemented their dominance on the continent on Sunday night, defeating Mali 78-64 to claim an unprecedented fifth consecutive FIBA AfroBasket Women championship title.
The pulsating final at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan lived up to its billing, with both teams showcasing grit, determination, and high-level skill. Mali, determined to end Nigeria’s winning streak, took an early 5-point lead in the first quarter. But the reigning champions fought back fiercely, knowing that history and a 29-game unbeaten streak were on the line.
By halftime, the scoreboard read Nigeria 41 – 41 Mali, reflecting the intense, end-to-end battle. The second half, however, was where the D’Tigress came alive. Led by the sharp shooting of Ezinne Kalu and the commanding presence of Amy Okonkwo, Nigeria outscored Mali 20-15 in the third quarter to take a 61-56 advantage heading into the final stretch.
In the decisive fourth quarter, the Nigerian ladies showed why they remain undisputed queens of African basketball, dominating both ends of the court. From swift transitions to clutch three-pointers and resilient defending, D’Tigress silenced the Malian challenge to close the game 78-64.
With this victory, D’Tigress not only secured their fifth consecutive AfroBasket Women title (2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025) but also extended their remarkable winning run in Africa to 30 straight games.
Team captain Sarah Ogoke praised the team’s fighting spirit, saying:
“We knew Mali would come hard, but we were prepared to leave everything on the court. Winning five titles in a row is special, and we did it for Nigeria.”
This historic triumph further cements Nigeria’s place as a powerhouse in African basketball, as the team now sets its sights on global competitions, including the upcoming Olympic qualifiers.
Final Score:
🇳🇬 Nigeria 78 – 64 Mali 🇲🇱
Titles: 2017 🏆 2019 🏆 2021 🏆 2023 🏆 2025 🏆
Undisputed. Unmatched. Unstoppable. D’Tigress remain the pride of African women’s Basketball
