Tinubu, Nigerians congratulate D’Tigress on clinching 7th AfroBasket title overall

*Nigeria’s D’Tigress make history again, by winning an unprecedented fifth consecutive AfroBasket Women title against opponent Mali, becoming the first African country to achieve this feat

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and several millions of Nigerians have hailed the country’s D’Tigress squad for winning their fifth straight and seventh AfroBasket overall title against Mali Sunday, August 3, 2025.

The D’Tigress have made history, once more, by winning an unprecedented fifth consecutive #AfroBasketWomen title, becoming the first African country to achieve this feat.

The Nigerian team have dominated African women’s basketball, winning their 29th consecutive game without a single loss since 2015, reports noted.

During the match, Nigeria clearly edged out Mali 78-64 in a tense showdown, displaying resilience and composure to claim their seventh AfroBasket title Sunday, August 3, 2025, in a thrilling match at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

You have written your names in history, says President

President Tinubu especially commended the skill, resilience, determination, and teamwork that propelled the team to the fifth consecutive title, and the seventh overall.

He praised the team’s determination to bring glory to the country despite losing the first quarter of the match.

Mr. Bayo ONanuga, SPecial Adviser to the President on Informationand Strategy, said Tinubu stated: “Your superb performance throughout the competition has made Nigeria proud.

“Like the Super Falcons, you have inspired our young ladies. You embodied the indomitable Nigerian spirit, the power of unity, and the rewards of hard work.

“By winning the AfroBasket trophy for a record fifth consecutive time, you have written your names in history and shown the world what to expect out of Africa.”

He equally lauded Head Coach Rena Wakama and her technical team for their exemplary leadership and the Nigeria Basketball Federation for their steadfast support.

Tinubu further said: “The Federal Government and Nigerians will never forget the sacrifices and remain grateful for the highly elevating performances.

“The government and the people of Nigeria celebrate you and assure you of our continued support as you prepare for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments next March.

President Tinubu added, “I look forward to receiving the victorious team and the trophy in Abuja, while wishing you all a safe trip.”

ConsumerConnect reports President Tinubu, after D’Tigress progressed to the final earlier at the weekend, had applauded the Nigerian team’s resilience and dominance.

The Nigerian leader particularly paid special tribute to Rena Wakama, the team’s Head Coach and the first woman to lead the side.

The President also commended her inspiring leadership both as a former player and now as a tactician in the field of play.

Report also indicated that as with most of their early games in the tournament, Nigeria got off to a slow start.

However, spurred by Mali’s intensity, Rena Wakama’s side regrouped in the second quarter and headed into halftime with the scores level at 41–41.

To qualify for the final against Mali, Nigeria had to dig deep to defeat Senegal 75-68 in a hotly-contested game, rightly dubbed “final before the final”.

It is equally noted that standout performance by Amy Okonkwo and Ezinne Kalu Sunday night was critical to ensuring that the D’Tigress retain the title for a historic fifth consecutive time.

While Okonkwo contribute 19 points on the night, Kalu delivered 20 points, including several crucial baskets in the second and third quarters.

Promise Amukamara and Victoria Macaulay also made key contributions, while Musa added nine crucial points and four rebounds in a game that once again showcased Nigeria’s depth.

The third quarter of the game proved to be very decisive, with the Nigerian ladies tightening their defence to outscore the Malians 20-15.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, he Nigerians led 61–56 and went on from there to win the game.

The victory has cemented the D’Tigress’ place as the most feared women basketball team in Africa.

With the latest achievement, the team will be expecting a handsome reward from President Tinubu.

The President recently awarded $100,000 cash reward to the female football team, the Super Falcons for winning 10th WAFCON title, in Morocco.

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