BREAKING: Nigeria beats Mali to clinch record-extending 7th AfroBasket crown

Nigeria’s D’Tigress have etched their name into African basketball history by clinching a record fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title with a hard-fought 78-64 win over Mali in Sunday night’s final.

With the victory, Nigeria became the first African nation to win the prestigious tournament five times in a row, adding a seventh title overall to their growing legacy.

The win also extended their remarkable unbeaten streak in the competition to 29 games, a flawless run that dates back to 2015.

As in previous games during the tournament, the Nigerian ladies were slow off the blocks.

However, head coach Rena Wakama’s side picked up momentum in the second quarter, responding to Mali’s aggressive start.

The two teams went into halftime tied at 41–41, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive second half.

In the semi-final, D’Tigress had to overcome a determined Senegalese side in what many termed the “final before the final.”

The 75-68 win over Senegal paved the way for Sunday’s final showdown.

Key to Nigeria’s victory were standout performances by Amy Okonkwo and Ezinne Kalu. Okonkwo dropped 19 points, while Kalu added 20, including several pivotal baskets that helped swing momentum in Nigeria’s favour during the second and third quarters.

Promise Amukamara and Victoria Macaulay also contributed significantly, while Murjanatu Musa chipped in with nine points and four rebounds.

The third quarter proved to be the turning point as the defending champions tightened their defence and outscored Mali 20-15. Heading into the final quarter with a 61–56 lead, the Nigerian side held their nerve and closed out the game in dominant fashion.

This historic win cements D’Tigress’ status as the most dominant women’s basketball team on the continent.

Following their semi-final victory, President Bola Tinubu had lauded the team’s resilience and praised coach Rena Wakama, the first woman to lead the national team, for her inspiring leadership.

BREAKING: Tinubu gifts Super Falcons $100,000 each, national honours after 10th WAFCON win

Expectations are now high that the President will honour the D’Tigress in similar fashion to the Super Falcons, who recently received a $100,000 reward after winning the WAFCON title in Morocco.