In a breathtaking showcase of dominance, grit, and national pride, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, cemented their legacy as Africa’s undisputed queens of the court by defeating Mali 78–64 to clinch a record-breaking fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title.
The championship clash, held at the iconic BK Arena in Kigali, was a battle of wills. Mali stormed into the game with intensity, edging the first quarter 26–21. But true to form, D’Tigress responded with poise and power—leveling the score 41–41 by halftime, before surging ahead in the third quarter and shutting the door in the final stretch.
Led by a phenomenal 20-point performance from Ezinne Kalu and 19 points from Amy Okonkwo, Nigeria’s tactical brilliance and depth once again proved unstoppable. Contributions from Promise Amukamara, Victoria Macaulay, and Musa rounded out a team effort that has now become a gold standard in African basketball.
This victory marks D’Tigress’ seventh AfroBasket championship (2003, 2005, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025) and extends their unbeaten run to 29 straight games, a streak dating back to 2015.
“This isn’t just basketball — this is legacy in motion,” said Bolu Blanks, a leading sports analyst speaking courtside in Kigali. “D’Tigress are redefining what it means to lead in women’s sports on the continent.”
The win comes on the heels of the Super Falcons’ recent Women’s AFCON triumph, signaling a golden era for Nigerian women in sports. Calls are growing louder for increased funding, infrastructure, and grassroots development for female athletes.
With Africa firmly under their reign, D’Tigress now turn their sights to the Olympic qualifiers and the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, where they aim to replicate their continental success on the global stage.
Back home, social media erupted in celebration. Hashtags like #D’Tigress, #AfroBasketQueens, and #NaijaNoDeyCarryLast trended as fans, government officials, and sports bodies paid glowing tributes to the team’s achievement.