Their opponents are expected to face the rigour of a playoff to make it to the final eight.

Nigeria started the game on a back foot with Cameroon taking a five points lead before the D’Tigers bounced back, taking the first quarter, 28-25 points.

D’Tigers continued from where they stopped in the first quarter winning the second quarter 30-16 points thereby taking the first half 58-41 points.

The third quarter went the same way with Nigeria thrashing Cameroon 26-12 points before the Indomitable came out in full force in the final quarter, almost turning the tide against Nigeria.

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The final quarter was all Cameroon as they won the fourth quarter 37-15 points albeit Nigeria winning the game 99-90 points to move to the quarter final.

The team started the tournament with a defeat of Madagascar before sending the defending champion, Tunisia the same way, on their way to the quarter final.

Before the game, Nigeria topped the group with four points, same as Cameroon albeit with superior total points scored and secured the automatic quarter final position by beating their rival.

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D’Tigers dominated throughout the match and were clearly the better side on the court.

Defending champions Tunisia, who lost their first game to Cameroon, hoped to recover but failed against a more coordinated Nigerian team.

Nigeria took the first quarter 29-16 and maintained their lead in the second, winning 19-17 despite Tunisia’s attempted comeback.

The third and fourth quarters were explosive, with Nigeria holding firm and never allowing their advantage to slip.

D’Tigers played with high intensity, using sound tactics, solid teamwork and smart ball movement, fully aware of Tunisia’s capabilities.

Tunisia could not match Nigeria’s energy, with their attacks repeatedly thwarted by a strong D’Tigers defence.

Nigeria took the final quarters 20-14 and 19-19, boosting their chances of reaching the quarter-finals ahead of their last group game against Cameroon.

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Josh Okogie led D’Tigers with 33 points, six defensive rebounds and a 32 efficiency rating.

Okogie was the spearhead of Nigeria’s offence, setting the tone for the team’s emphatic victory.

His leadership will be vital as Nigeria aim for a deeper tournament run, with his current consistency proving crucial.

Tunisia’s Omar Abada and Yacine Toumi scored 13 points each, but their efforts could not prevent a second group defeat.

Elsewhere, hosts Angola defeated Guinea 84-68, Egypt overpowered favourites Senegal 91-77, and South Sudan demolished Libya 115-52.

Source: NAN

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It was the team’s opening game.

The win marks a positive start for the 2015 champions as they seek to reclaim the continental title.

The game opened with a strong start from both sides but the Nigerian team took the first quarter 18–14.

Madagascar fought back in the second quarter, edging it 23–20, but D’Tigers held on to a narrow halftime lead of 38–37.

In the second half, the Nigerian team shifted gears, displaying defensive discipline, swift ball movement, and efficient shooting.

They dominated the third quarter 17–9, building a comfortable cushion before sealing the contest with a 22–13 surge in the final quarter.

Caleb Agada led from the front with an all-round display, finishing with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals.

Stan Okoye chipped in with 13 points, while Ike Nwamu added 12 points, with the trio’s leadership and experience proving pivotal in rallying the team through the decisive stages.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, praised the team’s resilience and composure, particularly in the third and fourth quarters, where Nigeria’s brave adjustments shut down Madagascar’s scoring rhythm.

With the win, D’Tigers set their sights on their next challenge, which will be a heavyweight clash against defending champions Tunisia on Friday.

They will conclude their group stage fixtures against Cameroon on Sunday.

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The coaches and members of the technical crew were given the cash reward of $50,000 each.

Also, the players and technical crew members were conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON, just as a directive was given that they should be allocated a flat each.

The rewards were announced on Monday at a reception held in their honour at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja, by President Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

President Tinubu praised the team for becoming the first African team to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament.

“It is my profound honour and pleasure to welcome to the State House our remarkable Women’s National Basketball Team, D’Tigress – continental champions once more, and now the first African team to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament. You have conquered Africa and opened the door to global greatness,” the president said.

The president described the team’s emphatic 78-64 victory over Mali as more than just a game, calling it “a powerful statement of Nigerian resilience, tactical excellence, and national pride.”

“You fought back from behind in the first quarter, not with panic but poise. You wore the green and white not just as colours, but as a symbol of conviction and hope. And now, you wear the crown as queens of African basketball for the fifth consecutive time,” he stated.

President Tinubu particularly commended Coach Rena Wakama, saying, “To Coach Rena Wakama, you represent the evolution of leadership in Nigerian sports.”

“Your quiet strength and historic achievements have shattered ceilings and inspired countless young girls nationwide, who now know that no dream is too bold for a Nigerian woman. Indeed, you deserved your award as the best coach in Africa and the world,” he stated.

He also recognised the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), Amy Okonkwo @amesokonkwo, and top scorer in the final, Ezinne Kalu @_the9jaqueen, saying, “To Amy Okonkwo, the tournament MVP, and Ezinne Kalu, top scorer in the final, your brilliance elevated the entire team. But most importantly, you did not play for yourselves. You played for and won with Nigeria.

“Let me take a moment to reflect on a greater truth. Nigerian women have never failed this nation in sports. From the Super Falcons standing tall on the world stage, to our athletes breaking records on the track, and D’Tigress building a basketball dynasty, our women have consistently made us proud. They have shown the world that when opportunity meets preparation, Nigerian excellence is inevitable.”

President Tinubu emphasised his administration’s commitment to sports development, stating: “We owe you not just applause but decisive action. That is why, under this administration, we are repositioning sports as a key pillar of our national development strategy and economic drive.

“Sport is not merely entertainment. It is infrastructure, education, diplomacy, and a powerful tool for youth employment, economic transformation, and global engagement.”

He extended special appreciation to the National Sports Commission @NatSportsComm under the leadership of Malam Shehu Dikko, noting that “the Commission’s renewed focus on athlete welfare, institutional reform, grassroots sports and performance-based development is already yielding results.”

The president also commended the Nigeria Basketball Federation, led by Malam Amadu Muda Kida, who also serves as chairman of the NNPC Limited, “for its consistency in team development, strategic planning, and sacrifices for Nigeria’s Glory.”

“To all our young people watching today, let the story of D’Tigress remind you that greatness is a product of hard work, discipline, and belief. Nigeria belongs to those who dare to dream and are willing to give their best to make those dreams a reality.

“To D’Tigress, you are not just champions. You are role models, pathfinders, and true daughters of the land,” the president added, assuring them of continued support as they prepare for the global stage.

Also applauding the Nigerian women’s national basketball team, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu @SenRemiTinubu, said it was not just a win on the court but a resounding statement of “hard work, excellence, and national pride.”

The wife of the president noted that the victory of the D’Tigress was a moment that would stick with generations of Nigerian girls and women, encouraging them to pursue greatness, even as she said the victory was a clear education that hard work and teamwork were what it took to succeed.

Coming barely a week after the Super Falcon brought home the WAFCON 2024 golden cup from Morocco, Senator Remi Tinubu said that while the nation was yet to get over the euphoria of the women’s football team’s victory, D’Tigress had given the nation “another reason to believe in the power of Nigerian women to break barriers and set new records.”

Earlier, D’Tigress Captain, Amy Okonkwo @amesokonkwo, who was also named the MVP of the AfroBasket Women 2025 tournament, thanked the President and the First Lady for supporting young Nigerian women.

She noted that she and the other members of the team were glad for the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the tournament, as well as to inspire young girls around the world to embrace sports.

The D’Tigress emerged winners of the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket Championship held in Cote D’Ivoire.

The Nigerian team defeated their Malian counterpart 78-64 in the final match played on Sunday.

It was the fifth consecutive win by the Nigerian team.

Nigeria became the first team to win the tournament five times in a row.

Nigeria is now the only nation to win more consecutive Women’s AfroBasket titles than any other nation.

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At the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025 Winner’s Press Conference, Coach Rena Wakama was asked to reveal her secret—what turned her players from contenders to the unbeatable. Her response was beautifully simple, yet deeply emblematic:

“It’s just the Nigerian spirit. We are resilient. That’s who we are. So, in short words, I said, ‘Hey, go out and win this game not only for yourselves but for our country.’ We are always playing for something bigger than ourselves. We are leaving a legacy. We are changing lives. We are impacting lives. So, if we are able to do that, the game is easy.”

It was more than a game. It was a declaration.

Congratulations to D’Tigress. Congratulations to Nigeria. This victory is more than a trophy—it is a baton passed from generation to generation, symbolic of purpose, pride, and progress. We await its celebration with the President and with Nigerians everywhere, just as we cheered the D’Tigers before them.

Yesterday, it was the Super Falcons on the football pitch. Today, it’s basketball. Tomorrow? Who knows what discipline will rise to carry the nation’s dreams further: Science? Technology? Arts? Culture? Music? Fashion? Agriculture?

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One thing is clear—the sleeping giant has stirred. Nigeria is no longer sleepwalking through history. We are ramping up one success story after another. From Wizkid surpassing 9 billion streams on Spotify, becoming the first African artist to reach such a milestone, to Lagos being heralded as the fastest-growing tech capital in the world in 2025, the narrative is shifting—from an echo chamber of negativity to a crescendo of transformation.

This is our moment. This is our renaissance.

Every Nigerian must tap into this spirit of positivity and perseverance. Beneath the turbulence, something extraordinary is unfolding. In every corner of this great nation, transformations—quiet and loud—are gaining momentum. Yes, the road remains tough, but let us not forget: the hardest part of dawn is just before the light breaks.

Let the citizens of the Republic of Despair continue to beat their drums of despair and dance alone to the dark tunes they create, even as the rest of the nation marches to the rhythm of renewal, achievement and hope. To be clear, every society needs and must encourage dissenting views and critics. They are the moral compass of a society—provided the intention is constructive and progressive.

This is our moment. This is our renaissance.

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The congratulatory message is contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.

The Coach Rena Makama-led female team won the Afrobasket finals by defeating the Malian side 78-64, in a thrilling match Sunday night at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

President Tinubu commended the skill, resilience, determination, and teamwork that propelled the team to the fifth consecutive title, and the seventh overall.

He praised the team’s determination to bring glory to the country despite losing the first quarter of the match.

“Your superb performance throughout the competition has made Nigeria proud. Like the Super Falcons, you have inspired our young ladies. You embodied the indomitable Nigerian spirit, the power of unity, and the rewards of hard work.

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“By winning the AfroBasket trophy for a record fifth consecutive time, you have written your names in history and shown the world what to expect out of Africa,” the president stated.

President Tinubu also lauded Head Coach Rena Wakama and her technical team for their exemplary leadership and the Nigeria Basketball Federation for their steadfast support.

“The Federal Government and Nigerians will never forget the sacrifices and remain grateful for the highly elevating performances.

“The government and the people of Nigeria celebrate you and assure you of our continued support as you prepare for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup next March,” the president said.

Tinubu added, “I look forward to receiving the victorious team and the trophy in Abuja, while wishing you all a safe trip.”

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The Nigerian team defeated their Malian counterpart 78-64 in the final match played on Sunday.

It is the fifth consecutive win by the Nigerian team.

Nigeria became the first team to win the tournament five times in a row.

With this win, Nigeria extended their winning streak to 29-0, dating back to the third-place game of the 2015 tournament in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

As was the case for most of their initial games in the tournament, Nigeria got off to a slow start.

However, feeling threatened by Mali’s intensity, Rena Wakama’s team regrouped in the second quarter and headed to the locker room tied at 41–41.

With the score tied, Wakama’s ladies came out in the third quarter with renewed focus and energy taking a 61-56 lead in the quarter, capitalising on Mali’s turnovers.

In spite of Mali’s valiant effort in the final quarter to mount a comeback, Nigeria maintained their composure and held on to their lead.

They continued to play with the confidence, answering every Malian basket with one of their own.

The final buzzer sounded with Nigeria winning 78-64.

Nigeria is now the only nation to win more consecutive Women’s AfroBasket titles than any other nation.

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Six-time champions, D’Tigress, reached the last four by beating Cameroon 83-47 to continue their title defence.

Nigeria dominated the first quarter 21-9, but Cameroon fought back and levelled the second quarter 20-20, showing brief signs of a comeback.

However, Cameroon lost momentum and were overwhelmed 25-2 in the third quarter by a relentless D’Tigress side.

D’Tigress wrapped up the match by edging the final quarter 17-16, sealing their emphatic victory and progress to the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Senegal defeated hosts Côte d’Ivoire 66-60 in a closely contested match to reach the semi-finals and book their World Cup qualifiers place.

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In another quarter-final match on Thursday, Mali outclassed Mozambique 86-68 in an entertaining display of skill and teamwork.

Mali’s win confirmed their qualification for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

South Sudan also progressed, edging Uganda 69-68 in a tense game.

The semi-finalists now join a pool of 24 national teams for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments.

These qualifying tournaments will decide the 16 teams to compete at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany.

From the Americas, Brazil, Argentina, USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Colombia have all qualified for the next stage.

Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and Turkey will represent Europe in the qualifiers.

Asia and Oceania will be represented by Japan, China, Korea, the Philippines, New Zealand, and Australia.

Source: NAN

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The J’Tigress brushed aside their female counterparts from North Africa 66-51 on Wednesday night.

Nigeria won the first quarter 24-13 and maintained the lead as the teams went on halftime, with scores 37-23 for J’Tigress.

Egypt’s efforts to get back into the game failed until the buzzer.

It was sensational comeback for Nigeria as that was second game against Egypt within one week.

Egypt won that opening match 72-60 but, fell in the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Mali sent Rwanda packing in the quarterfinals.

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Rwanda’s journey in the women’s Africa championship came to a shocking end at the University of Pretoria.

Mali won the first two quarters 19-11 and 25-15 respectively to lead the game with 44-26 at the break.

They continued from where they stopped in the half to dominate the second half, third quarter 21-20 and the final quarter 21-11 to successfully progress to the semifinals.

Rwanda’s Mama Sidiki Doumbia led the scores for Mali with 21 points while Oumou Koumare and Maimouna Traore added 16 and 14 points respectively.

Despite the loss, Brigitte Nibishaka still proved her worth, scoring 16 points while Vanessa Camara added 14 points.

The Nigerian girls will face Uganda in the second semi-final game on Friday while Cameroon and Mali will take on each other in the other game.

Rwanda still has to play a classification game for the 5th to 8th positions.

In the men’s category, Rwanda will be up against Cameroon in quarterfinals.

Rwanda and Mali, the only undefeated teams in the group phase, topped Groups A and C, with a 3-0 mark each.

Source: NAN

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The team put up superlative performances to win the title for a fourth consecutive time.

They had much in abundance in Amy Okonkwo, Murjanatu Musa, Sarah Ogoke and Ifunaya Okoro who were crucial for the Nigerian side.

Okonkwo, as usual, unleashed the necessary qualities that kept Senegal on the back foot and she was so fantastic throughout the competition.

Her efforts were acknowledged, leading to her winning the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, MVP, award.

D’Tigress dominated the game and never gave Senegal any chance to dream, recording scorecards of 19-10, 24-21, 26-19 and 22-17 in the four quarters of the game.

History was also made as the Head Coach of D’ Tigress, Rena Wakama, was the first indigenous female coach to lead a national team to  win the Afrobasket championship trophy.

At the post-match conference, Wakama praised the team for the doggedness, hard work and passion to achieve such feat in the short time they were put together.

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“I’m very proud of my players. They deserve the accolades. Indeed this is a great achievement that should be rewarded.

“We did not have enough time to train together, yet they brought in their professionalism and were marvelous in winning the trophy,” Wakama said.

In a reaction, Queen Moseph, a sports journalist, described the victory as wonderful as “the players have shown their qualities and proven their passion to win for the nation.”

“We are very happy for them. They deserve the praises as they have lifted the spirits of many basketball loving Nigerians.

“We have always believed in them and winning four straight championship titles show how incredible the senior national team is,” Moseph said.

Kelechi Benard, a sports commentator, described the victory as a very good one for Nigeria especially for the girls who just came together for a week to train.

“The team has proved to many basketball faithful that hard work pays and team coordination is just what can make us to achieve more,” he  said.

Source: NAN

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