D’Tigress celebrate winning fifth straight AfroBasket title after beating Mali in Abidjan final.SEYLLOU/AFP via Getty Images
Nigeria’s D’Tigress AfroBasket 2025 Final Performance
The final began with a balanced contest as both Nigeria and Mali traded baskets through the first two quarters. The scoreboard was locked at 41–41 at halftime, reflecting the intensity and competitiveness of the matchup. However, Nigeria surged ahead in the third quarter, building a 61–56 lead that they expanded with a dominant fourth quarter showing. Their ability to close out games under pressure was again on full display.
D’Tigress Defensive and Offensive Strength
Led by coach Rena Wakama, who became the first woman to win consecutive AfroBasket titles as head coach, Nigeria utilized a mix of perimeter defense and effective ball movement to dismantle Mali’s rhythm.
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Their bench contributed crucial points, underscoring the depth and preparation of the squad. Key plays in transition and superior rebounding gave Nigeria the edge in the second half.
Unbeaten Run and Tournament Legacy
With this victory, D’Tigress extended their AfroBasket winning streak to 29 games, a record that stretches back to 2015. Their title wins in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, and now 2025 represent the longest uninterrupted championship run in the competition’s history. Nigeria becomes the first African team, male or female, to win five straight AfroBasket titles, solidifying their place in the continent’s sporting legacy.
Path to the 2025 Title
Nigeria opened their 2025 campaign with a decisive win over Rwanda and followed up with a close victory against Mozambique. In the quarterfinals, they routed Cameroon 83–47, showcasing their defensive tenacity. The semifinal clash with Senegal tested their endurance, but the team held firm to advance to the final.
In their semi-final win, the team’s third-quarter performance was pivotal, holding Senegal to just 10 points while building an 11-point lead heading into the final frame. The sustained pressure and composure underlined their growth since their previous campaigns and justified their status as title favourites throughout the tournament.
Looking Ahead for D’Tigress
With their AfroBasket dominance reaffirmed, Nigeria’s focus now turns to international challenges. Their title win has secured a place in the qualifying tournaments for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
The team’s ability to adapt, defend aggressively, and execute in critical moments sets a solid foundation for success on the global stage.
According to the official FIBA report, Nigeria’s current roster blends experience with young talent, a combination that may prove vital in upcoming international fixtures.
Coach Wakama’s leadership and the players’ commitment to sustained excellence were emphasized throughout the tournament.
As stated in a recent tournament summary, the victory has inspired renewed focus on youth development and investment in Nigerian women’s basketball.
