Senator Oluremi Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to D’Tigress, Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, following their landmark fifth consecutive AfroBasket Women’s Championship win.
With this victory, Nigeria becomes the first African nation to accomplish this extraordinary feat, further solidifying its dominance in women’s basketball on the continent.
In a statement released late Sunday, the First Lady described the team as a beacon of inspiration and pride for women and girls across Nigeria. “You are true inspirations and pride to girls and women in general. Thank you for keeping the Nigerian flag flying,” she said.
The final, held on Sunday, saw Nigeria overcome Mali in a fiercely competitive match, winning 78–64. Despite a slow start, D’Tigress showed remarkable grit and determination, ultimately claiming their seventh AfroBasket title. This victory also marked their 29th consecutive win in the tournament since 2015—an unprecedented record in African women’s basketball.
The Nigerian side, coached by Rena Wakama, struggled to find their rhythm in the early minutes of the game, as Mali came out with high energy. However, D’Tigress regrouped in the second quarter and managed to draw level at halftime with a score of 41–41, reigniting their momentum heading into the second half.
Their journey to the final was equally thrilling. Nigeria had to battle past Senegal in a tightly contested semifinal encounter that ended 75–68. That match was widely described as the “final before the final,” reflecting the caliber of competition between two of Africa’s basketball powerhouses.
On the night of the final, Amy Okonkwo and Ezinne Kalu emerged as standout players. Kalu poured in 20 points and made several clutch baskets during the second and third quarters, while Okonkwo contributed 19 points, helping to build Nigeria’s commanding lead. Their performance was complemented by key contributions from Promise Amukamara and Victoria Macaulay. Musa also added nine important points along with four rebounds, reinforcing the team’s overall depth and strength.
The third quarter proved pivotal in the match’s outcome. D’Tigress turned up the intensity on defense and outscored their opponents 20–15. By the start of the fourth quarter, the Nigerians held a 61–56 lead and never looked back, maintaining composure to seal the win in emphatic fashion.
With this historic triumph, D’Tigress have not only made Africa’s basketball history but have also reaffirmed their status as the continent’s most formidable women’s basketball team. Their unity, resilience, and exceptional talent have set them apart, creating a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
What You Should Know
D’Tigress have made African basketball history by winning the AfroBasket Women’s Championship for the fifth time in a row, a feat no other African nation has achieved.
The team’s resilience was on full display throughout the tournament, especially in the final where they overpowered Mali 78–64. Their winning streak now extends to 29 consecutive games without defeat since 2015.
Backed by strong performances from Ezinne Kalu and Amy Okonkwo, the team proved their dominance once again.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised the team, calling them an inspiration to girls and women across Nigeria and a symbol of national pride.
