The triumph also stretched their remarkable winning streak to 29 games in the tournament—a run that dates back to 2017. No other team in AfroBasket Women’s history has achieved five straight titles, further cementing D’Tigress' status as Africa’s undisputed queens of the court.
A Measured Comeback After Early Pressure
Despite trailing 21–26 at the end of the first quarter, D’Tigress kept their composure. Mali came out with aggression, driven by a desire to avenge past losses, as standout players Sika Koné and Amina Dembele dominated early exchanges.
But Nigeria soon found their rhythm. Murjanatu Musa broke the initial scoring drought, and Victoria Macaulay’s timely introduction off the bench helped stabilize the defense and inject composure.
By halftime, the contest was evenly poised at 41–41, thanks to crucial contributions from Amy Okonkwo and Ezinne Kalu, who led Nigeria’s scoring charge.
Second-Half Surge and Tactical Mastery
Okonkwo finished with 19 points, while Kalu put on a stellar performance with 20 points, including clutch baskets that turned momentum in Nigeria’s favor. The third quarter proved pivotal, as D’Tigress outscored Mali 20–15. A key three-point play from Okonkwo gave Nigeria the edge, and Kalu’s steady leadership at point guard kept the offense flowing.
By the start of the fourth quarter, Nigeria held a narrow 61–56 lead. From there, they pulled away with a 17–8 run, showcasing their trademark energy, defensive intensity, and depth. Musa added nine points and four rebounds, while Promise Amukamara and Macaulay also played influential supporting roles in the team’s emphatic close.
Coach Wakama Builds on Her Legacy
The championship marked another milestone for Head Coach Rena Wakama, who made history in 2023 as the first woman to lead D’Tigress to an AfroBasket title. She has now added a second straight championship to her résumé, further enhancing her legacy in African basketball coaching.
Presidential Praise and National Recognition
In the lead-up to the final, President Bola Tinubu publicly lauded D’Tigress for their discipline, unity, and consistent excellence on the international stage. He also hailed Coach Wakama’s leadership as inspirational, noting that the team continues to bring pride and honour to the nation.
Their final victory came just 24 hours after a high-octane semifinal win over long-time rivals Senegal—a game many had dubbed the “final before the final.” That hard-fought win set the stage for their dominant performance against Mali.
Seven-Time Champions, National Icons
With titles won in 2003, 2005, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, and now 2025, D’Tigress have etched themselves into sporting history—not just in Nigeria, but across the continent. Their latest success serves as an enduring symbol of what sustained investment, talent development, and belief in women’s sports can yield.
As celebrations continue at home and abroad, the D’Tigress story remains one of excellence, resilience, and national pride.