President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their dominant 78–64 victory over Mali in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship, held Sunday night in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The win marks D’Tigress’ fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and seventh overall, extending an unbeaten run in the tournament to 29 matches, a streak that began in 2015.
Reacting to the historic feat, President Tinubu hailed the players and their coaching crew for their excellence and commitment to national pride.
“You did it, girls!” Tinubu wrote in a post on X.
“Superb performance to become 5x consecutive Champions of Africa and seventh overall. Well done, Coach Rena and the team. You have made Nigeria proud. I am expecting you all, along with the trophy. #MissionV – Done & Dusted.”
The president had earlier praised the team after their semi-final victory over Senegal, which secured their spot in the final.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu commended their discipline, focus and resilience, calling them symbols of national honour.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu also joined in the celebration, describing the victory as a “golden chapter in our nation’s sporting history.”
In her statement, she said, “To God be the Glory for yet another victory for Nigeria as you bring home the second trophy won by the nation in two weeks. You have showcased once again the unwavering commitment and determination of Nigerian women on the global stage. Thank you for making Nigeria proud once again. Congratulations, my wonderful D’Tigress.”
Coach Rena Wakama was especially lauded by both the president and sports fans across the country.
A former national team player herself, Wakama became the first female coach to lead D’Tigress to back-to-back AfroBasket titles, further cementing her legacy in African basketball.
The National Sports Commission also described D’Tigress as “history makers,” saying in a post, “You have dominated Africa. You have inspired a generation. You are champions, again and again.”
With this victory, D’Tigress have qualified for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments.
