D’Tigress Make History with Fifth Straight AfroBasket Title After Defeating Mali

D’Tigress Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have once again etched their name in the annals of African basketball history by clinching their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title. In a thrilling final held on Saturday, August 3, 2025, at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, the Nigerian team outclassed Mali with a commanding 78-64 victory, further cementing their status as the dominant force in women’s basketball on the continent.

The triumph over Mali not only sealed their seventh overall AfroBasket title but also marked a decade of supremacy, with D’Tigress extending their unbeaten run in the tournament to 29 matches. The streak began in 2015 and has since become the longest winning streak in AfroBasket history—male or female.

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D’Tigress Crowned African Queens Again

The final clash against Mali showcased the grit, discipline, and cohesion that have come to define D’Tigress’ gameplay. Nigeria entered the final as the defending champions, and though Mali put up a strong resistance, especially in the first three quarters, the D’Tigress displayed championship mettle when it mattered most.

At the end of the third quarter, Nigeria held a slim 61-56 lead, with Mali threatening to pull an upset. However, the fourth quarter proved decisive. The Nigerian side turned on the heat, executing sharp defensive transitions and fluid offensive plays, outscoring Mali 17-8 in the final stretch to secure a 14-point win.

This victory follows D’Tigress’ hard-fought 75-68 semifinal win against Senegal, a perennial African powerhouse. That match, which took place two days earlier, saw the Nigerian side withstand a late comeback attempt by Senegal to book their place in the final.

Rena Wakama: The Trailblazing Coach

Central to Nigeria’s continued dominance is head coach Rena Wakama, who has now led the team to back-to-back AfroBasket triumphs. Wakama, 33, became the first female coach to win the AfroBasket title in 2023 and has now made history once more by guiding D’Tigress to their fifth straight championship.

Under Wakama’s leadership, the team has become not just a continental powerhouse but a respected name on the global stage. She previously guided the team to a historic Olympic quarterfinal appearance, the best ever by an African women’s basketball team. Her coaching philosophy, rooted in aggressive defense and fast-paced offense, has revitalized D’Tigress and built a team that is as entertaining as it is effective.

Speaking after the victory, Wakama praised her players for their resilience and team spirit. “These women are warriors. Every single tournament, they rise to the occasion. Today, they made history, and I’m proud to lead such an extraordinary group,” she said.

A Decade of Dominance: Nigeria’s AfroBasket Legacy

The 2025 title joins a growing list of honors for D’Tigress, who previously won the AfroBasket championship in 2003, 2005, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023. With this seventh title, Nigeria is now the most successful women’s basketball nation in Africa, eclipsing traditional rivals like Senegal.

Equally remarkable is the team’s perfect record across the last five editions of the tournament—unbeaten in AfroBasket play since 2015. This decade-long reign of dominance has seen Nigeria overcome political challenges, funding issues, and coaching transitions to consistently deliver elite-level performances on the court.

Their success also signals a shift in African women’s basketball, demonstrating that a long-term strategy built around youth development, local league improvement, and international exposure can yield sustained results.

Impact Beyond the Court

The impact of D’Tigress’ success goes beyond silverware. The team’s consistent excellence has inspired a new generation of female athletes in Nigeria and across Africa. Their success story has also prompted renewed interest and investment in women’s sports, with corporate sponsors, government agencies, and grassroots organizations beginning to see the potential of female athletes as role models and ambassadors.

Moreover, the team’s rise has elevated Nigeria’s status in global basketball circles, with several players now plying their trade in top international leagues and NCAA programs. Their achievements are also prompting calls for better infrastructure, regular international friendlies, and improved welfare for athletes representing Nigeria.

Looking Ahead

As the celebrations in Kigali die down, D’Tigress will soon turn their attention to the 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifiers and the 2028 Olympic Games preparations. The foundation laid by Coach Wakama and her technical team, coupled with a core group of experienced and young talent, sets the stage for an exciting future.

For now, however, the spotlight remains on this extraordinary team—undefeated in a decade, five-time consecutive AfroBasket champions, and Africa’s undisputed basketball queens.