Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, the D’Tigress, has stormed into the final of the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025. The defending champions, unbeaten against African opponents for a decade, defeated Senegal 75-68 in the semifinals on August 2, 2025. This victory secures their place in the final and a spot in the 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments. The team aims to claim an unprecedented fifth consecutive AfroBasket title.
The D’Tigress have dominated African basketball, winning the championship in 2017 (Bamako), 2019 (Dakar), 2021 (Yaoundé), and 2023 (Kigali). Their 27-game winning streak in Africa since 2015 showcases their supremacy. Led by coach Rena Wakama, the 2024 Olympic Coach of the Year, and MVP Ezinne Kalu, the team’s depth and skill shone against Senegal, coming top with 19 points. Key players like Amy Okonkwo and Murjanatu Musa delivered standout performances.
In the 2024 Paris Olympics, D’Tigress made history as the first African basketball team to reach the quarterfinals, defeating Australia (75-62) and Canada (79-70). Despite a loss to the USA, their global impact grew. “We’re playing for Nigeria and Africa’s pride,” said Wakama. The final, set for August 3, 2025, in Abidjan, promises a thrilling showdown as D’Tigress chase another milestone.
