President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for securing a place in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket for the fifth consecutive time following their hard-fought victory over Senegal.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Sunday in Abuja, the president commended the team for their resilience, dominance and consistent performance throughout the tournament.
D’Tigress defeated Senegal 75-68 in the semi-final clash held on Saturday night at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The win marked their seventh consecutive triumph over their West African rivals and cemented their status as continental powerhouses.
Describing the encounter as “the final before the final,” Tinubu praised the team’s competitive spirit, discipline and unity.
“I have observed the discipline, focus, and team spirit consistently displayed by D’Tigress throughout this tournament. These are qualities that have brought honour to our nation and earned respect for our players and coaches worldwide,” Tinubu said.
He made special mention of head coach Rena Wakama, the first woman to lead the team, highlighting her leadership and inspirational role in the squad’s continued success.
“I especially commend Rena Wakama, the team’s first female Head Coach, whose leadership and experience both on the court and now from the bench, continue to inspire D’Tigress to new heights in this highly competitive sport,” the president added.
With the victory over Senegal, D’Tigress have now qualified for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments and remain on course to claim their fifth straight AfroBasket title and seventh overall.
The Nigerian team will face Mali in the final on Sunday, with hopes of making basketball history and further solidifying their dominance in African women’s basketball.
