Nigeria’s D’Tigress have once again proven their dominance in African basketball, securing a historic fifth consecutive Women’s AfroBasket title. The team achieved this remarkable feat with a decisive 78-64 victory against Mali in a thrilling final.
This latest triumph marks the seventh time Nigeria has lifted the coveted trophy, further solidifying their place as a powerhouse in the sport. Under the guidance of coach Rena Wakama, the D’Tigress squad has now extended its incredible unbeaten streak at the tournament to 29 games.
The victory also comes with an even greater prize: a direct qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Germany. While D’Tigress is now on their way to the World Cup, three other African teams—Mali, South Africa, and Senegal—will get another chance to qualify through the playoffs in March 2024.
The final match was a hard-fought battle. D’Tigress started strong, finishing the first quarter with a 26-21 lead. Mali, however, fought back fiercely, and the second quarter ended in a tense 41-41 tie. But in the third quarter, D’Tigress showcased their championship pedigree, taking a 61-56 lead. They maintained their composure in the final quarter to ultimately seal the 78-64 win and the championship title.
