Will Presidential Gifts Follow as Nigerian Female Basketballers D’Tigress Reach 5th Consecutive AfroBasket Final?
History beckons once again for Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, as they marched into their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket final after an electrifying 75–68 comeback win over Senegal on Saturday night. The triumph took place at the iconic Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, leaving fans on both sides breathless and the arena echoing with thunderous roars.
Entertainment Digest reports that many are wondering if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will honour the team with national rewards—houses, cash prizes, and medals—as was done for the Super Falcons following their recent football exploits. With a victory in the final, such accolades may not just be expected, but deserved.
The semifinal clash, fittingly dubbed “The Final Before the Final,” lived up to its billing with both teams showcasing their championship pedigree. Senegal raced to an early 11–2 lead, but the reigning African queens were undeterred. With grit and precision, D’Tigress responded with a 13-point run and ended the first quarter ahead, 22–17.
The Nigerian ladies edged the second quarter 21–20 but suffered a scare in the third, conceding 21–9 and trailing by six points going into the final period. Coach Rena Wakama’s halftime pep talk reignited her squad, leading to a commanding 23–10 surge that sealed victory.
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D’Tigress have not lost an AfroBasket match since 2015, a staggering 10-year unbeaten run. Their victory over Senegal extended that streak to 28 straight wins in Africa and broke Senegal’s own record of four consecutive titles. Now, the Nigerian team is one win away from clinching an unprecedented fifth AfroBasket crown.
Expectedly, 2019 Women’s AfroBasket Most Valuable Player (MVP), Ezinne Kalu, led the statistic on the Nigerian side, clocking 19 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Promise Amukamara was next with 16 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists with Captain Amy Okonkwo registering 15 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist. On the overall, Senegal’s Cierra Dilliard led the pack with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists.
D’Tigress, alongside Senegal, Mali, and South Sudan, have booked spots in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers. These qualifying tournaments will determine the final sixteen teams for the World Cup in Germany. Global powerhouses like the USA, Canada, France, and China will join the fray next March.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the D’Tigress, for reaching their fifth consecutive AfroBasket final.
In a statement, the President praised the team’s resilience and dominance after their 75-68 victory over Senegal, which also secured them a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments.
Tinubu specifically commended Rena Wakama, the team’s first female Head Coach, for her leadership. The President assured the team of his support as they compete for their fifth straight title.
By PRNigeria
