By: Eugene Upah (South South Digest)
Nigeria’s D’Tigress cemented their status as the continent’s basketball queens on Sunday, winning a historic eighth AfroBasket Women title after defeating Mali 78-64 in a thrilling final. The victory marks an unprecedented five consecutive championships for the Nigerian women’s national team.
The final, held in Cote d’Ivoire, saw D’Tigress showcase the dominance that has made them an unstoppable force over the last decade. This latest triumph extends their remarkable unbeaten streak against African teams, a run that has now lasted for 10 years.
In addition to the team’s record-breaking achievement, Head Coach Rena Wakama also made history by becoming the first woman to win back-to-back AfroBasket Women titles.
The historic victory has sparked widespread celebrations and a growing conversation among Nigerians about the appropriate recognition for the team’s sustained excellence. Many are calling on the Nigerian government to provide significant honors and rewards for the players and coaching staff, whose achievements are often compared to those of the WAFCON-winning football teams.
