Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have once again etched their names into African sports history by clinching their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title, defeating Mali 78–64 in a thrilling final in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
With this landmark victory, D’Tigress became the first African team—male or female—to win five AfroBasket championships in a row, reinforcing their dominance and consistency on the continent. Even more impressively, the win extends their unbeaten streak in the tournament to 29 consecutive games, a record that dates back to 2015.
A Dynasty Forged in Discipline and Grit
The path to this latest crown was not without challenge. Mali, a rising force in women’s basketball, pushed the Nigerian side to the limit. At halftime, both teams were deadlocked at 41–41, underscoring the high stakes and intensity of the final.
But under the leadership of Coach Rena Wakama—herself a former player and now the team’s first-ever female head coach—D’Tigress recalibrated, tightened their defense, and displayed superior tactical discipline to pull away in the second half.
Their composure, athleticism, and cohesion ultimately overwhelmed Mali in the closing quarters, sealing a legacy-defining win in front of a roaring Abidjan crowd.
Tinubu Hails National Heroes, Lauds Wakama’s Leadership
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was among the first to send in his congratulations, calling the D’Tigress victory a “monumental moment” for Nigeria’s global sporting reputation.
“I have observed the discipline, focus, and team spirit consistently displayed by D’Tigress throughout this tournament,” said the President in a statement released by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
He praised the squad’s mental toughness, especially their hard-fought 75–68 semifinal win over Senegal—a game he described as “the final before the final”. That victory was D’Tigress’ seventh straight win over their West African rivals and sealed their qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers.
Notably, President Tinubu singled out Coach Rena Wakama for special commendation, hailing her as a trailblazer for women in Nigerian sports and a “symbol of resilience and inspirational leadership.”
The Business of Basketball: A Growth Opportunity
D’Tigress’ dominance has implications beyond the basketball court. Their sustained success is now fueling commercial interest in women’s sports in Nigeria. From brand endorsements and merchandise to broadcast rights and ticketing, the team’s rise presents a golden opportunity for sponsors and investors to back a winning brand with global visibility.
Industry insiders argue that D’Tigress could become the face of a long-overdue renaissance in Nigerian women’s sports marketing—a segment traditionally overlooked despite its potential.
If properly managed, their success could open doors for:
- Greater youth development programmes in basketball
- Investment in domestic leagues
- Partnership deals with international sportswear and media companies
- Government-private sector collaboration to grow sports tourism and infrastructure
BRANDECONOMY INSIGHT: Sporting Excellence as Soft Power
D’Tigress’ achievement is more than just a sports story—it’s a soft power narrative for Nigeria on the global stage. At a time when national identity and international perception are shaped by more than just oil or politics, sports remains one of Nigeria’s most bankable assets.
This five-time championship feat should not merely be celebrated—it must be leveraged. The government, corporate sponsors, and the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) must now build sustainable structures that not only reward the current squad but also institutionalize a winning culture for the next generation.
The Road Ahead
With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, D’Tigress have the chance to transition from continental champions to global contenders. Coach Wakama, speaking after the final, reaffirmed the team’s ambitions to “go beyond Africa and prove Nigeria belongs on the world stage.”
For now, though, they return home as queens of African basketball—undisputed, undefeated, and unstoppable.
Final Score:
🏀 Nigeria 78 – 64 Mali
🏆 Fifth Consecutive AfroBasket Title
🔥 29-0 Record Since 2015
🎯 2026 World Cup Qualifier Secured
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