In a display of unrelenting dominance and fierce determination, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, etched their names into African basketball history by clinching a record fifth consecutive AfroBasket Women’s Championship title after a hard-fought 78-64 victory over Mali in the final.
The historic win, secured on Sunday in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, marks Nigeria’s seventh overall AfroBasket title and extends their unbeaten streak in the tournament to an astonishing 29 consecutive games — a run that began in 2015.
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No other team on the continent has matched such a feat, making D’Tigress the undisputed queens of African basketball.
The final showdown was anything but easy. Mali came out firing in the first quarter, stunning the Nigerian team with a 26-21 lead.
But the champions responded like true warriors. Regrouping and refocusing, D’Tigress turned the game around in the second quarter, levelling the intensity and outscoring Mali 20-15 to draw level by halftime.
The third quarter saw the Nigerian ladies assert themselves with the same 20-15 margin, showing depth in the squad and an unshakable winning mentality.
By the fourth quarter, D’Tigress had completely seized control, suffocating Mali’s offence and finishing off with a commanding 17-8 tally.
The final buzzer confirmed what many had come to expect: Nigeria are not just champions — they are a dynasty.Led by a blend of experience and youthful flair, D’Tigress’ consistency over the last decade has been unparalleled.
Since 2015, they have not lost a single game in the AfroBasket tournament, a testimony to the team’s talent, preparation, and mental toughness.
Beyond the scoreline, this victory was symbolic — a reflection of Nigerian excellence on the continental stage and the power of team spirit, resilience, and national pride.
With this fifth consecutive title, Nigeria has now firmly cemented its place as the greatest women’s basketball team in African history.
