The 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament concluded in Abidjan with Nigeria’s D’Tigress emphatically asserting their dominance over the continent, securing their fifth consecutive and seventh overall AfroBasket title. Their commanding performance in the final against Mali, culminating in a 78-64 victory, solidified their standing as the undisputed queens of African basketball. This victory marked a significant milestone, bringing them closer to Senegal’s record of eleven titles and underscoring the team’s continued excellence under the guidance of coach Rena Wakama. The tournament not only showcased Nigeria’s prowess but also highlighted the rising talent and intensifying competition within women’s basketball across Africa.
Central to Nigeria’s success was forward Amy Okonkwo, who earned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the second time in a row. Okonkwo’s consistent brilliance throughout the tournament, capped off by a 19-point, nine-rebound, and three-assist performance in the final, proved instrumental in Nigeria’s triumph. Her versatility, combining strength in the paint with precision from the perimeter, made her a constant threat to opposing defenses. While Okonkwo’s individual accolades shone brightly, the absence of an official “Best Coach” award was a notable omission, given the widespread acclaim for Rena Wakama’s tactical acumen and leadership. Wakama’s achievement of back-to-back AfroBasket titles in her first two appearances as head coach is unprecedented in the tournament’s history, further cementing her status as a leading coaching figure in African basketball.
Beyond the team accolades, the tournament also served as a platform to recognize individual brilliance from players across the continent. The All-Tournament team, or All-Star Five, reflected the depth of talent on display, featuring players from diverse nations who made significant contributions to their respective teams’ performances. Joining Amy Okonkwo in this elite group were Cierra Dillard of Senegal, known for her playmaking abilities; Delicia Washington of South Sudan, who emerged as the tournament’s top scorer; Jane Asinde of Uganda, a force in the paint; and Sika Koné of Mali, who anchored her team’s interior defense. This diverse selection underscored the growing competitiveness and expanding pool of talent within African women’s basketball.
Delicia Washington’s recognition as the tournament’s top scorer highlighted South Sudan’s emergence as a rising force in African basketball. Her consistent offensive output demonstrated the strides South Sudan has made in developing their women’s program. Cameroon’s Jessica Thomas earned the accolade of Best Three-Point Shooter, demonstrating the increasing importance of perimeter shooting in the modern game. Maria Teresa Gakdeng of South Sudan rounded out the individual awards, claiming the title of Best Rebounder, further showcasing her team’s growing presence on the continental stage.
The success of individual players like Washington and Gakdeng, coupled with the impressive performance of teams like Uganda, demonstrate the increasing depth and parity within African women’s basketball. No longer is the continent’s basketball landscape dominated solely by traditional powerhouses. Emerging nations are investing in their programs, developing young talent, and challenging the established order, making the competition fiercer and more exciting than ever before. This rising tide of talent bodes well for the future of the sport in Africa.
The 2025 AfroBasket tournament served as a crucial stepping stone on the road to future global competitions, including Olympic qualifiers. The experience gained by these players and the exposure to high-level competition will be invaluable as they prepare to represent their nations on the world stage. The tournament also served as a showcase for the growth and development of women’s basketball in Africa, proving that the continent is becoming a hotbed of talent and a force to be reckoned with on the international scene. As the dust settles on the 2025 AfroBasket, the focus now shifts to the future, with nations and players alike looking to build upon the momentum generated in Abidjan and continue to elevate the standard of African women’s basketball. The journey towards future Olympic and global championships has begun, and the lessons learned and the rivalries forged in this tournament will undoubtedly shape the narrative in the years to come.
