Nigeria’s D’Tigress solidified their reign as the queens of African women’s basketball, defeating Mali 78-64 in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket final on Sunday to claim an unprecedented fifth consecutive championship title.
The victory marks Nigeria as the first nation on the continent to achieve this feat, extending their remarkable unbeaten streak to 29 games since 2015.
The Nigerian squad, led by a standout performance from Ezinne Kalu, showcased their trademark defensive prowess and fast-paced offense to overpower Mali in a packed Kigali Arena.
The win not only reaffirmed D’Tigress’ supremacy but also secured their qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifying tournament.
“This victory is a testament to our hard work, unity, and relentless pursuit of excellence,” said head coach Rena Wakama, who has now guided the team to three straight titles.
“We’re not just winning games; we’re building a legacy for Nigeria and inspiring the next generation.”
Mali, seeking their first AfroBasket title since 2007, kept the game competitive in the first half, trailing by just six points at halftime.
However, Nigeria’s depth and tactical adjustments in the third quarter, including a 12-2 run, proved decisive, as they pulled away to secure the 14-point victory.
The triumph adds to Nigeria’s storied basketball history, with D’Tigress remaining undefeated in the competition since their loss to Cameroon in the 2015 semi-finals.
Their dominance has elevated Nigeria’s global standing, with the team ranked first in Africa and 12th worldwide in the latest FIBA rankings.
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