NBBF dedicates D’Tigress’ historic AfroBasket victory to President Tinubu

FEMI FABUNMI

The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Musa Kida, has dedicated D’Tigress’ historic AfroBasket victory to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following the team’s commanding performance in the final match held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Despite trailing Mali 21–26 at the end of the first quarter, D’Tigress bounced back with dominant showings in the remaining quarters: 20–15, 20–15, and 17–8.

Their relentless effort and tactical excellence led to a 78–64 win, securing their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title.

“Tonight in Abidjan, our D’Tigress have done the extraordinary Mission Five has become Mission V Accomplished,” said Kida. “Winning five AfroBasket titles in a row, without losing a single match to any African national team, is not just dominance—it is our legacy.”

He praised the team’s courage and consistency, saying they embody the Nigerian spirit of resilience, boldness, and determination.

Kida also acknowledged President Tinubu’s support for Nigerian sports through his Renewed Hope agenda, crediting the administration for creating an environment that inspires athletes to reach new heights.

“We proudly dedicate this historic victory to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose unwavering commitment to revitalizing sports has sparked a new era for athletes across the nation,” Kida stated. “Your leadership continues to inspire every slam dunk, every rebound, every triumph.”

Under Musa Kida’s leadership, D’Tigress have developed into a continental powerhouse, claiming four of their five consecutive AfroBasket titles during his tenure. They also made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics by becoming the first African women’s basketball team to reach the quarterfinals.

D’Tigress now stand as a symbol of excellence and determination in Nigerian sports, continuing to inspire a new generation of athletes across Africa.

This remarkable achievement makes them the first team in Africa to win the tournament five times in a row.

The final match took place on Saturday night at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, where Nigeria faced a strong Malian team.

The game was competitive from the beginning, with both sides showing great energy and determination. Mali tried to match Nigeria’s pace and strength, but D’Tigress showed why they are the defending champions.

With smart team play, experience, and strong defense, the Nigerian team slowly took control of the game. In the second half, they pulled ahead and maintained their lead until the end. The final score was Nigeria 78, Mali 64.

This latest victory gives Nigeria a total of seven Afrobasket titles in the team’s history, making them the most successful women’s basketball team in Africa.

Beyond just winning trophies, D’Tigress have shown great consistency. They have not lost a single game in the tournament since 2015, winning 29 matches in a row.

Their performance highlights not only their talent but also the hard work and planning that has gone into building a strong team over the years.

The victory is a proud moment for Nigerian sports and a big inspiration for young athletes across the continent.

D’Tigress continue to prove they are a dominant force in African basketball, and their journey is far from over.