D’Tigress Roar to Historic Fifth Consecutive AfroBasket Title, Subduing Mali in a Commanding 78-64 Victory

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a display of sheer dominance and unrelenting spirit, Nigeria’s D’Tigress have cemented their legacy as the undisputed queens of African basketball, clinching their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship title with a commanding 78-64 victory over Mali in the final on Sunday night at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This triumph not only marks Nigeria’s seventh overall AfroBasket title but extends their unprecedented unbeaten streak in the tournament to 29 games, a run that stretches back to 2015, solidifying their place as a continental powerhouse.

The road to this historic victory was paved with a thrilling 75-68 semifinal win over arch-rivals Senegal on Saturday, a game dubbed “the final before the final” by fans and analysts alike. That victory showcased D’Tigress’ trademark resilience, as they overcame an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure their fifth straight final appearance and a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments.

The final against Mali, however, was a masterclass in control, as Nigeria neutralized the Malian challenge with poise, depth, and championship pedigree.

The semifinal clash against Senegal was a battle of titans, with Nigeria facing a formidable opponent led by former D’Tigress coach Otis Hughley Jr., who guided Nigeria to three consecutive titles between 2017 and 2021.

Senegal came out roaring, stunning Nigeria with an 11-2 lead early in the first quarter, driven by their fast-paced offense and aggressive defense. Cierra Dillard, Senegal’s standout, poured in a game-high 26 points, keeping her team in control through much of the match.

Nigeria 21-9, flipped the script, giving the Lionesses a 58-52 advantage heading into the final period

Despite the early setback, D’Tigress regrouped, leaning on the paint presence of Victoria Macaulay and a clutch three-pointer to close the first quarter ahead 22-17. By halftime, Nigeria held a 43-37 lead, showcasing slick ball movement and defensive hustle. However, Senegal’s third-quarter surge, outscoring Nigeria 21-9, flipped the script, giving the Lionesses a 58-52 advantage heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter was where D’Tigress proved why they’ve reigned supreme for a decade. Ezinne Kalu, the team’s heartbeat and former tournament MVP, led the charge with 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals, including 9-of-11 free throws that steadied Nigeria under pressure. Promise Amukamara added 16 points and four rebounds, while Amy Okonkwo contributed 15 points, six rebounds, and three steals.

Macaulay sealed her all-around performance with 13 points, three rebounds, three steals, and three blocks, anchoring the defense in the closing moments. Nigeria’s 23-10 run in the fourth quarter silenced Senegal’s contingent and electrified Nigerian fans, securing a 75-68 victory and extending their head-to-head record against Senegal to 10-5, with no losses since 2011.

“We knew Senegal would come hard, but we stayed together and played Nigerian basketball—fighting, throwing the first punch, setting the tone,” Kalu said post-game, embodying the team’s relentless spirit. Head coach Rena Wakama, the 2024 Olympic Coach of the Year, outmaneuvered her former mentor Hughley with tactical precision, earning praise for her calm leadership.

We knew Senegal would come hard, but we stayed together and played Nigerian basketball—fighting, throwing the first punch, setting the tone

The final against Mali was a testament to D’Tigress’ depth and composure. Mali, determined to avenge past losses and end Nigeria’s dominance, came out strong, taking a 26-21 lead in the first quarter with Sika Koné and Amina Dembele setting the pace. However, Nigeria settled quickly, with Murjanatu Musa breaking the early drought and Victoria Macaulay providing key minutes off the bench to stabilize the game. By halftime, the score was level at 41-41, setting the stage for a tense second half.

The third quarter saw D’Tigress assert their supremacy, outscoring Mali 20-15 to take a 61-56 lead. The final period was a clinic in championship basketball, with Nigeria dominating 17-8 to seal the 78-64 victory. Ezinne Kalu orchestrated the offense with her trademark composure, while Amy Okonkwo stretched the defense with perimeter shooting. Murjanatu Musa delivered in the paint, and Promise Amukamara’s defensive tenacity disrupted Mali’s rhythm. The team’s balanced attack and suffocating defense wore down Mali, who struggled to keep up with Nigeria’s pace in the closing stages.

Coach Rena Wakama, who made history in 2023 as the first woman to lead a team to the AfroBasket title, added another chapter to her growing legacy. “This is the definition of Nigerian basketball,” Wakama said. “We fight, we adapt, and we win together. This team is special.” The victory marked Nigeria’s seventh AfroBasket title (2003, 2005, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025), trailing only Senegal’s 11 titles in the competition’s history.

We fight, we adapt, and we win together

The triumph sparked an outpouring of pride across Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu congratulated the team, praising their discipline, resilience, and team spirit. “I have observed the focus and team spirit consistently displayed by D’Tigress throughout this tournament—qualities that have brought honour to our nation,” he said in a statement. Nigeria Basketball Federation President Musa Kida dedicated the victory to President Tinubu, crediting his leadership and the Renewed Hope agenda for revitalizing Nigerian sports.

Social media platforms, particularly X, erupted with celebration. “28-0 in the semis, now 29-0. We died. We resurrected. We’ve conquered defeat,” one user posted. Another declared, “NEVER WRITE OFF THESE NIGERIAN LADIES!!” Fans speculated about potential bonuses, with some referencing the $100,000 per player awarded to the Super Falcons after their WAFCON success, joking that D’Tigress were “practising for Tinubu’s $100,000.”

D’Tigress’ journey to this historic fifth consecutive title began with a 92-45 rout of Rwanda and a hard-fought 60-55 win over Mozambique in Group D, followed by an 83-47 demolition of Cameroon in the quarterfinals. Their semifinal victory over Senegal and final triumph over Mali have solidified their 29-0 record in AfroBasket competition since 2015, a streak unmatched in the tournament’s history.

28-0 in the semis, now 29-0. We died. We resurrected. We’ve conquered defeat

The win also secures Nigeria’s automatic qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, while Mali, Senegal, and South Sudan will compete in the qualifying tournaments in March 2026.

As D’Tigress return victorious to Abuja, their legacy as Africa’s basketball battalion is etched in history. With a deep, battle-tested roster led by stars like Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, Amy Okonkwo, and Victoria Macaulay, and under the stewardship of Coach Rena Wakama, Nigeria has redefined excellence in African women’s basketball. The continent watches in awe as these Tigresses continue to roar, leaving Bamako subdued and their rivals in their wake. Will their dominance extend to the global stage in 2026? One thing is certain: D’Tigress are a force that refuses to be tamed.

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