Nigeria cemented their dominance in African women’s basketball on Sunday with a 78–64 victory over Mali, clinching an unprecedented fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title.
The hard-fought final in Abidjan tested the mettle of Rena Wakama’s squad, who extended their tournament winning streak to 29 games, a run that began after the third-place playoff at the 2015 edition in Yaoundé, Cameroon. With the win, Nigeria remains undefeated in AfroBasket play for nearly a decade.
Despite their ultimate triumph, D’Tigress faced a stern challenge from a determined Malian side. The West African rivals went toe-to-toe in the first half, heading into the break tied at 41–41. Mali’s early zone defense caused Nigeria problems, but a three-pointer by Amy Okonkwo early in the third quarter gave Nigeria a lead they never relinquished.
Okonkwo was a standout performer, playing all 40 minutes and scoring 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. She was named the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Most Valuable Player, her second MVP crown, joining the elite company of Mfon Udoka, Aya Traore, and Nacissela Mauricio as two-time winners.
Ezinne Kalu led Nigeria with 20 points, while Victoria Macaulay added 10, as the trio combined for 49 of the team’s 78 points. Their contributions underlined the depth and resilience of a team that has become synonymous with excellence in African women’s basketball.
Mali, chasing their first title since 2007, gave a spirited display. Star forward Sika Koné posted a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds and played with unrelenting energy. However, it wasn’t enough to derail Nigeria’s march to history.
Turning Point
The game’s momentum shifted decisively in the third quarter when Okonkwo’s early three-pointer broke the deadlock and set the tone for a 14-point swing. Mali’s three-point struggles, a known weakness, resurfaced, while Nigeria outpassed and outmaneuvered them, finishing with 24 assists to Mali’s 16.
Stats That Mattered
Mali edged Nigeria in rebounds (37–36), but Nigeria’s ball movement and outside shooting proved decisive. The defending champions were more clinical from beyond the arc and more cohesive offensively.
Legacy Defined
This latest title makes Nigeria the only nation to win five straight Women’s AfroBasket titles. It’s a run that includes triumphs in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, and now 2025.
What They Said
“It’s a mental thing. With a good team like them, when you’re ahead, you have to stay focused because they’re strong mentally and really good. You have to be ready for the whole game and be able to beat them,” said Mali’s Sika Koné after the match.
Bottom Line
It wasn’t Nigeria’s easiest win, far from it. Mali brought grit, hustle, and physicality, making it the toughest test of the tournament for D’Tigress. But once again, Nigeria showed why they are champions: composure, confidence, and the will to win.
The win not only adds to Nigeria’s trophy cabinet but also reinforces their legacy as Africa’s undisputed basketball queens.
