Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, the D’Tigress, carved their names in African basketball history by clinching the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title in a thrilling victory over Mali in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. This triumph marked their seventh AfroBasket crown and fifth consecutive title, solidifying their dominance on the continent and behind this remarkable achievement are the inspiring stories of key players – Ezinne Kalu, Amy Okonkwo, Murjanatu Musa, alongside the strategic brilliance of head coach Rena Wakama, whose journey and leadership have propelled the team to new heights.
The MVP:
Forward Amy Okonkwo emerged as a breakout star, showcasing her versatility with 14 points, 1.6 assists and 6 rebounds per game. The rising star was born in the United States to Nigerian parents, Okonkwo’s decision to represent Nigeria was a homecoming rooted in heritage. “Playing for Nigeria feels like honoring my roots,” she shared.
In the final, Okonkwo’s relentless energy on defense and her ability to stretch the floor, shoot 3 pointers with mid-range jumpers kept Mali’s defense clear. Her standout performance in the 40 minutes of the final, proved she’s a cornerstone for D’Tigress’ future and indeed a true MVP.
She added in the post win conference – “…I think we’ve done a lot of great things with Nigeria. I’m so thankful to be able to call myself a three-time Afro Basket champion, a two-time MVP. I’m looking forward to hopefully another Olympics, as many as my body can carry me to… I’m just following where the game is taking me and wanting to play at the highest level possible and playing the best that I can.”
The Ever Present Queen:
Ezinne Kalu, the team’s dynamic point guard and captain, was the heartbeat of D’Tigress’ campaign. Known for her lightning-fast drives and clutch three-point shooting, Kalu secured 20 points (the most on the team), 5 Rebounds and 2 assists in the final game.
Her journey to this moment has been one of resilience. After suffering a devastating knee injury in 2022 that sidelined her for nearly a year, Kalu returned with a renewed fire and her leadership on and off the court, including mentoring younger players, was pivotal in maintaining team cohesion during tense moments, particularly in the final’s fourth quarter.
The Defensive Anchor:
Forward Murjanatu Musa, was the backbone of Nigeria’s stifling defense, coming out with 12 rebound and 3 Steals in the final game. Her presence helped the d’tigress come back from 26-21 loss to a 41-41 draw by halftime.
Her journey to the moment began with the air Warriors in the 2019 Zenith Women’s Basketball League, where she earned MVP honors with 17 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 assists in the final. Her talent took her to Spain’s Celta Zorka in 2021, where she averaged 13.4 points and 13 rebounds in the 2022/23 season, and later to France’s Tarbes Gespe Bigorre, where she posted 14.9 points and 9.4 rebounds in 2024/25. In March 2025, Musa signed with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, debuting in May and playing 12 games despite a late-season ankle injury.
The Mastermind:
Coach Rena Wakama was at the helm of this triumphant squad. The 33-year-old coach who has transformed D’Tigress into a continental juggernaut. Named FIBA Africa’s Coach of the Year in 2023, Wakama’s journey is as inspiring as her players’.
A former D’Tigress player herself, she transitioned to coaching after a career-ending injury, studying tactics under some of the best minds in U.S. college basketball. Her philosophy of “discipline, unity, and relentless effort” has reshaped the team’s culture. Despite facing skepticism as a young female coach in a male-dominated field, Wakama’s strategic acumen shone through.
A Victory for Nigeria
The D’Tigress’ triumph is more than a sporting achievement; it’s a beacon of hope for a nation grappling with economic and social challenges.
As D’Tigress bask in their well-earned glory, the stories of Kalu, Okonkwo, Musa, and Wakama resonate beyond the court. Their journey—from overcoming personal and systemic obstacles to hoisting the AfroBasket trophy—embodies the unyielding spirit of Nigeria. With their sights now set on the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, D’Tigress have reminded the world that they are not just champions of Africa, but ambassadors of a nation’s dreams.
A Question that lingers in the heart of some Nigerians is “How much will the President grant the D’Tigress for their victory following his generous act to the Super falcons?”
