In front of a roaring crowd at Palais des Sports de Treichville, Nigeria’s D’Tigress etched their names into basketball immortality by clinching their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title, defeating Mali 78–64. With this win, they became the first team ever to achieve such dominance, stretching their tournament winning streak to a jaw-dropping 29 consecutive games, a run that dates back to October 2015.

The final game was anything but a walkover. Mali came out blazing, using the relentless energy of Sika Kone and Amina Dembelé to storm to a 26–21 first-quarter lead. Nigeria, however, showed the composure of champions. Murjanatu Musa and Victoria Macaulay steadied the ship, and by halftime, D’Tigress had clawed back to a 41–41 tie. The atmosphere was electric, and every possession felt like it would swing the tide.

The third quarter proved decisive. Amy Okonkwo, who has become synonymous with clutch plays, delivered a momentum-shifting three-point play that handed Nigeria the lead for the first time. From that point on, the defending champions controlled the tempo, frustrating Mali with relentless defense and precise ball movement.

As the final minutes ticked away, Nigeria went on a stunning 17–8 run in the fourth quarter, effectively shutting the door on any Malian comeback. With the buzzer sounding, history was sealed. Nigeria had completed an unprecedented **five-title run (2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025)**, cementing their legacy as Africa’s undisputed basketball dynasty.

Amy Okonkwo was named MVP for the second consecutive AfroBasket, after a standout 19-point, 9-rebound performance in the final. She joined an elite club of players to ever win back-to-back MVP awards at the AfroBasket. She was also named to the All-Tournament Team alongside Cierra Dillard (Senegal), Delicia Washington (South Sudan), Jane Asinde (Uganda), and Mali’s Sika Kone.

This title also marks a historic coaching milestone. Rena Wakama, who took over in 2023, is now the first female coach to win consecutive AfroBasket titles. Under her leadership, D’Tigress have built a culture of grit, precision, and unshakeable confidence that has made them almost impossible to beat.

Beyond the trophy, this win qualifies Nigeria for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments, bringing them closer to asserting their dominance on the global stage.