Nigeria’s D’Tigress Defeat Mali To Win Fifth Straight AfroBasket Title

RYNI News | Blessing Isiuwa
4 August 2025

History was made under the floodlights of the Palais des Sports de Treichville on Sunday night as Nigeria’s women’s basketball juggernaut, D’Tigress, roared past Mali with a commanding 78–64 victory to clinch their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title—and seventh overall, solidifying their reign as the undisputed queens of African basketball.

With this win, D’Tigress not only defended their crown, but carved their name in golden ink—becoming the first team in tournament history to win five back-to-back championships. Their dominance was further underscored by their staggering 29-game winning streak, a run that has remained unbroken since 2017.

A Battle of Fire and Focus

The final was no cakewalk. Mali arrived with vengeance in their eyes and fire in their stride, seizing an early lead to end the first quarter 26–21. Sika Koné and Amina Dembele spearheaded Mali’s offensive charge, threatening to derail Nigeria’s march to history.

But champions are never rattled—they recalibrate. D’Tigress responded with poise, anchored by Murjanatu Musa’s physical presence and Victoria Macaulay’s reliable bench performance. By halftime, the game had evened out at 41–41, setting the stage for a second-half showdown.

Then came the Nigerian surge.

The Queens Strike Back

Amy Okonkwo lit up the scoreboard with 19 points, while floor general Ezinne Kalu delivered a clinic in composure, racking up 20 points and orchestrating the offense with surgical precision. Promise Amukamara and Macaulay provided crucial support, and Musa added timely rebounds and grit in the paint.

A game-defining third quarter saw Nigeria wrestle control with a 20–15 run, capped by a clutch three-point play from Okonkwo. By the fourth, D’Tigress had not only taken the lead but seized the moment—closing out the game with a decisive 17–8 burst that left Mali chasing shadows.

Coach Wakama’s Rising Legacy

At the helm of this relentless squad is Coach Rena Wakama, the trailblazing tactician who, in 2023, became the first woman to lead D’Tigress to a title. Now with back-to-back championships, her legacy is growing just as fast as her team’s legend.

A Nation Applauds

President Bola Tinubu, in a congratulatory message, hailed the team’s discipline, unity, and excellence, stating: “Once again, our daughters have brought glory to Nigeria. They are an inspiration to the continent and a beacon of what is possible through resilience and teamwork.”

As the curtain falls on the 2025 AfroBasket tournament, one thing is undeniable: D’Tigress are not just champions—they are a dynasty in motion.

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