D’Tigress Return To Abuja In Triumph With AfroBasket Trophy.
Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, touched down at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday, greeted by an exuberant crowd as they proudly displayed their seventh FIBA Women’s AfroBasket trophy. The team’s arrival, aboard two chartered flights from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, marked the culmination of a stellar campaign that saw them clinch a historic fifth consecutive title with a commanding 78-64 victory over Mali in Sunday’s final at the Palais des Sports de Treichville.
The squad, led by Head Coach Rena Wakama, was met with a vibrant reception, including cultural dancers and drummers, as officials from the National Sports Commission, the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, and members of the Association of Nigerian Women in Sports joined supporters to celebrate the achievement. This victory extends D’Tigress’ remarkable unbeaten streak in the competition to 29 games, a run that began in 2015, solidifying their status as the dominant force in African women’s basketball.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised the team’s discipline, resilience, and teamwork, noting that their success has brought immense pride to Nigeria. In a statement, he expressed his eagerness to host the team at Aso Rock, mirroring the warm reception given to the Super Falcons following their recent Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph. First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu also lauded the team, highlighting their discipline and team spirit as an inspiration to young Nigerian women aspiring to break barriers.
Standout performances from Amy Okonkwo, named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Ezinne Kalu, who delivered 20 points, four rebounds, and five assists in the final, were pivotal in securing the victory. Despite trailing 21-26 after the first quarter, D’Tigress showcased their composure, with Murjanatu Musa and Victoria Macaulay providing crucial contributions to overturn Mali’s early lead. The team’s tactical brilliance under Wakama, the first female coach to lead D’Tigress to a championship, was instrumental in their fifth straight title win, a feat unmatched in the competition’s history.
The victory also earned Nigeria a direct qualification spot for the 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, further elevating their global standing. As the nation celebrates this milestone, D’Tigress’ triumph underscores Nigeria’s growing dominance in African basketball, with titles secured in 2003, 2005, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, and now 2025. The team’s return to Abuja not only brings home a coveted trophy but also a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire a new generation of athletes across the continent.
