By Emeka Blast 
D’Tigress Secure Impressive Win Against Mali
Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, the D’Tigress, delivered a commanding performance, defeating Mali 78-64 in a gripping Group D match at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025 on Saturday, August 2, at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. The victory solidifies Nigeria’s dominance as Africa’s top-ranked women’s basketball team and keeps their hopes alive for a fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, further cementing their legacy as a powerhouse in African basketball.
Led by captain Amy Okonkwo, who scored a game-high 22 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, the D’Tigress showcased their depth and resilience against a physical Malian side. The game, broadcast live on FIBA’s YouTube channel, saw Nigeria overcome an early deficit, trailing 18-14 after the first quarter, before a dominant second quarter (24-16) gave them a 38-34 lead at halftime. Ezinne Kalu, named Player of the Game, contributed 18 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals, while Murjanatu Musa added 14 points off the bench. Mali’s Sika Kone led her team with 20 points and 7 rebounds, but their efforts were hampered by 18 turnovers, which Nigeria capitalized on for 22 points.
Coach Wakama Rena’s strategic adjustments in the third quarter, including a suffocating full-court press, disrupted Mali’s rhythm, allowing Nigeria to extend their lead to 59-50. Despite a late rally from Mali, narrowing the gap to 6 points in the fourth, Nigeria’s clutch free-throw shooting (80% accuracy) and defensive stops sealed the 78-64 win. “This was a tough, physical game, but our girls showed heart and executed our game plan,” Wakama told ESPN Africa post-game. The victory improves Nigeria’s Group D record to 2-0, following their 79-58 rout of Senegal on July 31.
Mali, ranked 5th in Africa and 41st globally, struggled to match Nigeria’s pace, with coach Joaquin Brizuela lamenting missed opportunities, saying, “We fought hard, but Nigeria’s depth and discipline were too much.” Mali’s Female Eagles, who reached the AfroBasket semifinals in 2023, now face an uphill battle to advance from the group stage after their loss to the defending champions.
Social media erupted with praise for D’Tigress, with @NaijaHoops tweeting, “D’Tigress are unstoppable! Amy Okonkwo and Ezinne Kalu were 🔥 against Mali. #AfroBasket2025,” and @SportyNG posting, “Nigeria’s queens keep soaring! 78-64 over Mali. Who’s stopping this team?” Fans also lauded the team’s chemistry, though some, like @TruthSeekerNG, noted, “Mali gave us a scare early. We need to start stronger in the knockouts.” The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) celebrated the win on X, stating, “Our D’Tigress continue to make us proud! Onward and upward!”
The victory comes amid Nigeria’s storied AfroBasket history, having won titles in 2003, 2005, 2017, 2019, and 2021, and reaching the 2023 FIBA Women’s World Cup quarterfinals, a first for an African team. With a current world ranking of 12th, D’Tigress are favored to dominate the tournament, though they face stiff competition from hosts Rwanda and 2023 runners-up Senegal. Nigeria’s next group stage match against Uganda on August 4 will determine their seeding for the quarterfinals.
