D’Tigress Makes History As Nigeria Clinches 4th Consecutive FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship

Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress, made history once again by securing their fourth consecutive FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship title.

Led by coach Rena Wakama, the Nigerian team defeated Senegal with a final score of 84-74 in a thrilling showdown at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda on Saturday.

This remarkable achievement not only marked Nigeria’s fourth consecutive title but also made them only the second African country to achieve a four-peat in the history of the Women’s Afrobasket. The only other country to accomplish this feat was Senegal, who dominated the competition from 1974 to 1981.

Wakama also etched her name in the history books as the first female coach to win the Women’s Afrobasket Championship since its inception in 1966. Her leadership and tactical expertise played a pivotal role in guiding the team to their unprecedented success.

In the semi-final, Nigeria demonstrated their dominance by overpowering the host nation, Rwanda, with a resounding 79-48 victory. The coach maintained the same starting five for the final game, comprising Amy Okonkwo, Palla Kunaiyi-Akpanah, Elizabeth Balogun, Sarah Ogoke, and Blessing Ejiofor, who had been instrumental throughout the tournament.

From the outset, D’Tigress displayed their determination and brilliance, establishing a 19-10 lead in the first quarter. They continued to assert their dominance in the second quarter, heading into halftime with a comfortable 43-31 lead. However, Senegal, renowned for their tenacity, fought back in the third quarter and narrowed the gap to 62-57.

The final quarter witnessed an intense battle between the two teams, but D’Tigress exhibited great resilience and teamwork to secure a 10-point victory, cementing their place in African basketball history.

With their fourth consecutive title, D’Tigress solidified their reputation as one of the continent’s basketball powerhouses. Their achievements in the 2017 tournament in Bamako, 2019 tournament in Dakar, and the 2021 tournament in Cameroon, along with their unbeaten record in every African competition, underscore their exceptional talent and dedication.

As they return home as champions, D’Tigress has not only made their nation proud but has also inspired a new generation of female basketball players across Africa. Their accomplishments serve as a testament to the potential of African women in sports and are a source of motivation for aspiring athletes to aim for excellence on the global stage. The entire nation celebrates their remarkable victory, and the legacy of D’Tigress in African basketball is now firmly established.