Tinubu hails D’Tigress for historic 5th consecutive AfroBasket victory

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has showered praise on Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for their historic fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket championship title.

The D’Tigress secured with a decisive 78-64 victory over Mali in the final on Sunday, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The triumph, marking Nigeria’s seventh overall AfroBasket title, has sparked national pride, with the President lauding the team’s extraordinary achievement as a testament to Nigeria’s sporting excellence.

In a statement posted on X via his official handle (@officialABAT), President Tinubu declared, “You did it, girls! 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’s message highlighted the team’s remarkable feat and extended a personal invitation to welcome D’Tigress to Abuja with their latest trophy, underscoring his administration’s support for sporting achievements that elevate Nigeria’s global standing.

D’Tigress’ path to victory showcased their resilience and dominance. They opened the tournament with a 92-45 rout of Rwanda, followed by a 60-55 win over Mozambique to secure the Group D top spot. A commanding 83-47 quarterfinal victory over Cameroon earned them a berth in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament, while a comeback 75-68 win against Senegal in the semifinal set the stage for their triumph over Mali.

The team’s cohesive play and defensive prowess, led by Coach Rena Wakama, the 2024 Olympic Coach of the Year, have kept them unbeaten in AfroBasket competitions since 2015, with a 28-game winning streak.