Paragraph 1: Triumphant Reign Continues: D’Tigress Crowned Afrobasket Champions for the Fifth Consecutive Time
Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, etched their names into the annals of African basketball history, securing their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Afrobasket championship. This remarkable feat, achieved on Sunday, August 3, 2024, at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, solidified their unparalleled dominance on the continent. The victory against Mali in the final not only extended their winning streak in the tournament to an unprecedented decade but also marked another milestone for coach Rena Wakama, who became the first woman to lead a team to back-to-back Afrobasket titles. This latest triumph serves as a testament to the team’s unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and the strategic brilliance of their coaching staff.
Paragraph 2: A Tale of Two Halves: D’Tigress Overcome Early Deficit to Secure Decisive Victory
The final against Mali was a captivating contest that showcased the resilience and determination of D’Tigress. Mali started strongly, capitalizing on their offensive prowess to establish a 26-21 lead at the end of the first quarter. However, the Nigerian team, unfazed by the early deficit, mounted a spirited comeback in the second quarter, matching Mali’s intensity and leveling the scores at 41-41 by halftime. This shift in momentum paved the way for a dominant second half performance, where D’Tigress showcased their championship mettle.
Paragraph 3: Dominant Second Half Performance Propels D’Tigress to Victory
The third quarter witnessed D’Tigress seizing control of the game. Their offensive execution sharpened, while their defensive pressure intensified, disrupting Mali’s rhythm and forcing turnovers. By the end of the third quarter, D’Tigress had established a 61-56 lead, putting themselves in a commanding position to secure the championship. The final quarter was a display of defensive masterclass by the Nigerian team, limiting Mali to a mere eight points. This stifling defense, combined with their consistent offensive output, sealed a convincing 14-point victory and cemented their place as the undisputed queens of African basketball.
Paragraph 4: Sustained Excellence: A Decade of Undefeated Dominance in Afrobasket
D’Tigress’s victory in the 2025 Afrobasket championship extended their remarkable unbeaten streak in the tournament to a full decade. Their last defeat in the competition dates back to October 2, 2015, against Cameroon. This unparalleled run of success underscores the program’s consistent development of talent, the unwavering commitment of the players, and the astute leadership of the coaching staff. D’Tigress’s decade-long dominance has established them as the benchmark for women’s basketball in Africa and a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
Paragraph 5: Navigating Challenges: A Hard-Fought Semi-Final Victory Sets the Stage for Championship Glory
The path to the championship was not without its challenges. In the semi-final against Senegal, D’Tigress faced a formidable opponent that tested their resolve. The game was a closely contested affair, with both teams trading blows throughout. It took a spirited fourth-quarter performance from D’Tigress to secure a narrow victory and advance to the final. This hard-fought victory against Senegal not only demonstrated their resilience but also served as a valuable learning experience, preparing them for the ultimate test against Mali in the championship game.
Paragraph 6: Rena Wakama: A Trailblazing Coach Leading D’Tigress to Unprecedented Heights
Coach Rena Wakama’s leadership has been instrumental in D’Tigress’s continued success. In 2023, she became the first woman to coach a team to Afrobasket glory, leading D’Tigress to their fourth consecutive championship. Her ability to inspire and motivate her players, coupled with her tactical acumen, has created a winning culture within the team. With two Afrobasket titles in as many attempts, Wakama has solidified her status as one of the most successful coaches in the history of the tournament and a pioneering figure in African women’s basketball. Her leadership continues to inspire future generations of female coaches and players, paving the way for greater representation and opportunities in the sport.
