🏆 D’Tigress Reign Supreme with 29-Game Win Streak
By: IDNN Sports Desk
ABIDJAN (Côte d’Ivoire) — Never underestimate the heart of a champion.
That was the unspoken mantra as Nigeria’s D’Tigress weathered Mali’s early fire to lift the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title — their fifth consecutive crown and 29th straight win in the tournament since 2015.
Facing a hungry Mali side desperate to break their own 18-year drought, Nigeria survived an intense first half that ended 41-41. But with the trophy on the line, they dialed up the heat.
Amy Okonkwo, relentless and lethal, delivered 19 points, shooting 7-of-11 from the floor, including 4-of-7 from three. Ezinne Kalu led scoring with 20 points, while Victoria Macaulay added crucial support. The trio combined for 49 of Nigeria’s 78 points — an offensive trident Mali simply couldn’t neutralize.
“This was personal. We knew they wanted it bad. But we wanted it more,” Okonkwo said post-game.
🎯 Turning Point: From Deadlock to Domination
The third quarter became the breaking point. Mali’s zone defense crumbled after Okonkwo nailed a go-ahead triple, pushing Nigeria to 44–41. From then on, Nigeria led every possession with tactical discipline and fiery execution.
Despite Mali outrebounding Nigeria 37–36 — led by Sika Koné’s 16 points and 13 rebounds — they failed to match Nigeria’s fluid ball movement, as the defending champs racked up 24 assists, eight more than Mali.
👑 Okonkwo’s Coronation: Back-to-Back MVP
Amy Okonkwo’s full-court presence and leadership throughout the tournament earned her a second AfroBasket MVP title, placing her alongside legends like Mfon Udoka and Aya Traore.
Across five games, Okonkwo averaged 14 points, 6 rebounds, and an efficiency rating of 15.6.
She headlined the 2025 All-Star Five alongside:
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Cierra Dillard (Senegal) – 13.7 PPG, 5.5 RPG
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Delicia Washington (South Sudan) – 18.2 PPG, Top Scorer Award
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Jane Asinde (Uganda) – 15.8 PPG, 8.8 RPG
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Sika Koné (Mali) – 10.4 PPG, 11 RPG, three double-doubles
Amy Okonkwo celebrates after clinching MVP honors as Nigeria wins a historic fifth consecutive Women’s AfroBasket title in Abidjan.
🇳🇬 Nigeria’s Dynasty: Built to Last
Since reclaiming the African title in 2017, Nigeria’s D’Tigress have evolved into a powerhouse, blending elite coaching under Rena Wakama, a culture of resilience, and a deep pool of talent.
They are now Africa’s most decorated women’s basketball team, and with Tokyo 2025 on the horizon, their legacy seems far from done.
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