Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has secured a historic fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship, earning widespread acclaim for their unprecedented dominance in African basketball. The team’s latest triumph, sealed with a decisive victory over Mali in Sunday’s final, has drawn praise from prominent figures, including former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who lauded their resilience and unity.
Obi, in a statement released Monday titled “MISSION V ACCOMPLISHED,” described the win as a testament to the “enduring spirit of Nigerian athletes” and a landmark moment for both the country and the continent. “Congratulations, D’Tigress! You’ve once again proven yourselves as the undisputed queens of African basketball,” he wrote. Emphasizing the broader significance of their achievement, he added, “To dominate this tournament five times in a row is no small feat. You’ve etched your names in history.”
The final, held at Abidjan’s Palais des Sports de Treichville in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), saw D’Tigress overcome Mali with a commanding performance, solidifying Nigeria’s status as the first nation to achieve five straight titles in the 50-year history of the tournament. Obi highlighted the players’ intensity, calling them “fearless, fast, and unstoppable” while commending their collective effort. “Thank you for pouring your hearts into every game and showing the world the strength of Nigerian excellence,” he said.
Recognition also extended to Head Coach Rena Wakama, whose leadership guided the team through the tournament. “To Coach Wakama, thank you for your vision, discipline, and championship mindset. You’ve led these amazing women with grace and determination,” Obi noted. Wakama, appointed in 2023, has been instrumental in maintaining Nigeria’s supremacy on the continental stage amid evolving competition.
The victory underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in global basketball. Since their first AfroBasket win in 2003, D’Tigress has risen to become Africa’s top-ranked women’s team, combining tactical discipline with athleticism. Their latest success adds momentum to calls for increased investment in Nigerian sports, particularly in women’s athletics, where systemic challenges like funding gaps often persist.
The 2025 championship, hosted in Côte d’Ivoire, attracted teams from 12 nations, with Nigeria’s campaign marked by strategic depth and consistency. The team now shifts focus to qualifying for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, aiming to build on their recent performances at global tournaments. For Obi and supporters across Africa, D’Tigress’ achievement serves as a rallying point for national pride and a reminder of the transformative power of sports.
