Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has continued its golden run on the African basketball scene after defeating Mali to clinch their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title, sparking widespread celebrations and tributes from across the country.
The Rena Wakama-led side overcame Mali in the final played at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on Sunday, August 3, to make history as the first team ever to win the Women’s Afrobasket five times in a row.
The victory also extended Nigeria’s unbeaten streak in the tournament to a full decade, with their last loss recorded in 2015.
Reacting to the historic feat, President Bola Tinubu lauded the team for their resilience and excellence. In a post on his X handle, he wrote, “Superb performance to become 5x consecutive Champions of Africa and seventh overall. Well done, Coach Rena and the team. You have made Nigeria proud. I am expecting you all, along with the trophy. #MissionV – Done & Dusted.”
The President had earlier dispatched a high-level delegation to Abidjan to show support for the team ahead of the final.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, and included top government officials such as the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman, Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Sunday Dare, among others.
Also celebrating the feat, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu described the team’s success as a beacon of inspiration for young girls across the nation.
In her words, “Today, you have written another golden chapter in our dear nation’s sporting history by defeating Mali to win your fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title. You have continued to inspire every young girl to dream of breaking barriers and making history through hard work and dedication. I celebrate you, your discipline, and team spirit.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar joined in the national celebration, describing the team’s success as “a proud symbol of Nigeria’s enduring excellence on the global stage even against all odds.” He added, “D’Tigress have once again written their names in gold.”
Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki also congratulated the team. In a message posted online, he wrote, “History made! The #DtigressNG are champions once again! Congratulations on a massive win at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket — your fifth consecutive title. The entire nation is proud of you!”
In a similar tone, former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso hailed the team as “truly unbeatable,” saying, “Huge congratulations to Nigeria’s D’Tigress on winning an unprecedented fifth consecutive AfroBasket Women title.”
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, also posted a photo tribute, stating, “These pictures of excitement and the pride with which the Nigerian flag is being hoisted by the players resonate as a reminder that we have no other country than Nigeria.”
Coach Rena Wakama, who now boasts two Afrobasket titles in just two attempts, credited the victory to teamwork and determination. “We came here with a clear mission, and I’m glad the ladies delivered. They’ve made history for themselves, for the team, and for Nigeria,” she said after the win.
With five titles on the bounce and a ten-year unbeaten record, D’Tigress have not only conquered Africa but have also ignited a new wave of patriotism and pride, reminding the nation of the power of unity, discipline, and belief.
