D’Tigress Make AfroBasket History with Win Over Mali
Nigeria defeated Mali in the final of the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket, becoming the first country in the tournament’s history to win the title five consecutive times.
The D’Tigress defeated their West African rivals 78–64 in a hard-fought clash at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan.
While Nigeria battled past Senegal to reach the final, Mali - who edged out South Sudan in the semi-final - got off to a flying start, leading 26-21 at the end of the first quarter.
Sensing the threat from Mali’s intensity, Rena Wakama’s team regrouped in the second quarter and went into halftime with the scores level at 41–41.
Nigeria responded with authority, taking control of the remaining two quarters to earn a dominant win over their West African rivals.
With this result, D’Tigress extended their remarkable winning streak to 29 consecutive games, a run that began after the third-place match of the 2015 tournament in Yaounde, Cameroon.
Nigeria have now secured their place at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany.
"I salute the incredible discipline, focus, and team spirit of D’Tigress at this year’s AfroBasket tournament, "Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said in acknowledging the team’s performance.
"They have not only carried our flag high but earned global respect for Nigerian excellence, our players and team officials.
"A special commendation to Coach Rena Wakama, our first female Head Coach, whose leadership and experience - both on the court and now from the bench - continue to inspire D’Tigress to new heights in this highly competitive sport. The entire nation is behind you as you go for the 5th straight title."
Earlier in the day, wild card entrant South Sudan stunned 11-time champions Senegal 66-65 in the third-place game to secure their first-ever medal in the continental tournament.
The Senegalese team, aiming to end a decade-long gold drought, missed the podium for only the third time in 26 editions, having previously finished fourth in both the inaugural 1966 tournament and the 2021 competition in Cameroon.