D'Tigress Returns to Abuja Triumphantly for Meeting with Tinubu
Nigeria's D'Tigress Secures Historic Fifth Consecutive AfroBasket Title with Amy Okonkwo's Leadership
In a thrilling finale at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria's women's basketball team, D'Tigress, emerged victorious in the 2025 FIBA Women's Afrobasket Championship, defeating Mali 78-64[2].
Amy Okonkwo, the 28-year-old forward, was instrumental in the team's success, earning her the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the second consecutive time[3]. Okonkwo's impressive statistics during the tournament included an average of 14 points, 6 rebounds, and an efficiency rating of 15.6 over five games[1].
Okonkwo's standout performance in the final game against Mali saw her score 19 points, finishing with double-digit points in all but one match[1]. Her consistent performance throughout the tournament was a crucial factor in D'Tigress's historic victory[1][2][3].
The team's leader, Rena Wakama, guided D'Tigress to their seventh AfroBasket Women's title overall and set a record with five consecutive championships, surpassing the previous record held by Senegal[2][4]. This victory also secured Nigeria's qualification to the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup[4].
President Tinubu congratulated the team, praising their "dedication, teamwork, and consistency on the continental stage." Upon their return to Nigeria, D'Tigress was met by a jubilant crowd, including cultural dancers, drummers, basketball fans, officials of the National Sports Commission, representatives from the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, and the Association of Nigerian Women in Sports[1].
After their arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with the championship trophy, D'Tigress headed to the Presidential Villa to be formally received by President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu[1].
Okonkwo joins an elite group of players with multiple AfroBasket MVP awards, alongside Mfon Udoka, Aya Traore, and Nacissela Mauricio[3]. She also headlined the All-Tournament Team alongside players from Senegal, South Sudan, Uganda, and Mali[1][2].
With this historic win, Nigeria has solidified their dominance in African women's basketball, marking a significant milestone in the sport's history on the continent[4].
[1] ABC News
[2] BBC Sport
[3] ESPN
[4] FIBA
- Nigeria's President Tinubu congratulated D'Tigress on their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, praising their dedication and consistent performance.
- The historic victory of D'Tigress in the 2025 AfroBasket Women's championship has earned them a qualification to the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
- In the NAIA, Abuja, D'Tigress was formally received by President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, after bringing home the championship trophy.
- Amy Okonkwo, the MVP of the tournament, has joined an elite group of players with multiple AfroBasket MVP awards, including Mfon Udoka, Aya Traore, and Nacissela Mauricio.
