President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s senior women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, for advancing to their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Afrobasket final. He also charged them to bring the trophy home and make history. D’Tigress staged a brilliant comeback to defeat Senegal 75-68 in the semifinal clash held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. They now face Mali in the final as they aim to become the first team, male or female, to win five Afrobasket titles in a row.
In a congratulatory message shared via his official X handle on Sunday, President Tinubu commended the team’s determination and unity, urging them to complete #MissionV. “I salute the incredible discipline, focus, and team spirit of D’Tigress at this year’s Afrobasket tournament,” the president said. “They have not only carried our flag high but earned global respect for Nigerian excellence, both our players and team officials.”
The president also gave special recognition to head coach Rena Wakama, the only female coach among the 16 teams at the tournament. “A special commendation to Coach Rena Wakama, our first female Head Coach, whose leadership and experience, on the court and now from the bench, continue to inspire D’Tigress to new heights in this highly competitive sport. The entire nation is behind you as you go for a fifth straight title. #MissionV.”
The final against Mali will take place at 7 p.m. Nigerian time. Mali secured their spot in the final after a commanding win over South Sudan. This will be their second appearance in the final in three editions. Nigeria previously defeated Mali 70-59 in the 2021 final. While D’Tigress seek an unprecedented fifth straight title, Mali are hoping to win their second Afrobasket crown, 18 years after clinching their first.
