Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have once again etched their names into the annals of African sports history as they clinched their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title, defeating Mali in a pulsating final. The emphatic win not only cements Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s basketball but also extends their unbeaten streak in the tournament to a staggering 29 games.
The historic showdown, which took place in Kigali, Rwanda, saw D’Tigress deliver a masterclass in teamwork, defense, and sheer willpower. From the opening whistle, the Nigerian ladies showcased their trademark intensity and strategic execution, setting the pace early and refusing to let up until the final buzzer.
Led by a core of seasoned stars and rising talents, D’Tigress demonstrated why they remain a formidable force on the continent. Standout performances came from Amy Okonkwo, Sarah Ogoke, and Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, who dominated the boards and created scoring opportunities with relentless energy.
Mali, no strangers to high-stakes matchups, came into the final with strong momentum and impressive wins of their own. However, the physical and tactical depth of D’Tigress proved too overwhelming. Despite a spirited third-quarter push by the Malians, Nigeria’s bench depth and experience prevailed, closing out the game with a decisive double-digit lead.
Speaking after the match, Coach Rena Wakama—who made history as the first female head coach to win the title for Nigeria—praised the team’s commitment and unity. “These women fought with heart. This isn’t just about basketball; it’s about pride, legacy, and the power of belief. Nigeria continues to lead, and we are not stopping anytime soon.”
The victory was celebrated across Nigeria and among the diaspora, with fans taking to social media to express their pride in the team’s extraordinary run. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also sent a congratulatory message, applauding the players for “lifting the spirit of the nation” and showcasing Nigerian excellence on the global stage.
With this win, D’Tigress now hold the most consecutive AfroBasket titles in history. Their next challenge will be to translate this continental dominance into success on the global scene as they prepare for qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
As Nigeria basks in the glory of this incredible achievement, one thing is certain: D’Tigress are not just champions of Africa, they are the pride of a nation.
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