D’Tigress Make History with Fifth Straight AfroBasket Title
Nigeria’s D’Tigress have made African basketball history after clinching their fifth consecutive AfroBasket Women’s title. No other country on the continent has ever achieved that.
In Sunday’s final in Kigali, the Nigerian ladies defeated Mali 78 to 64 to win their seventh AfroBasket trophy overall.
The victory also extended D’Tigress’ unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games. They haven’t lost a single match at the AfroBasket since 2015.
Just like their earlier games in the tournament, the team got off to a slow start. But they quickly found their rhythm, matching Mali’s energy and going into halftime tied at 41 points apiece.
To reach the final, Nigeria had to overcome a tough semifinal battle against Senegal. They won that match 75 to 68 in what many called the final before the final.
Amy Okonkwo scored 19 points in the final, while Ezinne Kalu led the team with 20 points, stepping up in the second and third quarters. Promise Amukamara, Victoria Macaulay, and Murjanatu Musa also made solid contributions. Musa added nine points and four rebounds.
Nigeria took full control in the third quarter, tightening their defense and outscoring Mali 20 to 15. They entered the last quarter with a five-point lead and never looked back.
This latest win confirms Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s basketball and puts the team in a league of their own.
Following the victory, many are watching to see if President Bola Tinubu will reward the team. He recently gave the Super Falcons 100,000 dollars for winning the WAFCON title in Morocco.
Tinubu had earlier praised D’Tigress for their determination and teamwork. He also singled out head coach Rena Wakama, the first woman to lead the team, for her leadership both on and off the court.
Should we send you latest update about your favourite sports and team?
Enter you email in the box below and hit the subscribe button to join our teaming 876+ sports community.
