Tinubu Congratulates D’Tigress on Record-Breaking 5th Consecutive FIBA AfroBasket Final Appearance

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, on their remarkable achievement of reaching the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket for the fifth consecutive time. D’Tigress secured their spot in the final after a hard-fought 75-68 victory over longtime rivals Senegal at the Palais De la Sport in Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The win marked their seventh consecutive triumph over Senegal in competitive action and was widely described as “the final before the final.”

In a statement, President Tinubu praised the reigning champions for their resilience and dominance throughout the tournament, highlighting their qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments, scheduled for March next year. “I have observed the discipline, focus, and team spirit consistently displayed by D’Tigress throughout this tournament, qualities that have brought honor to our nation and earned respect for our players and coaches worldwide,” the President said.

He also commended Rena Wakama, the team’s first female head coach and the first female coach to win the Afrobasket title, for her impactful leadership. “I especially commend Rena Wakama, the team’s first female Head Coach, whose leadership and experience, both on the court and now from the bench, continue to inspire D’Tigress to new heights in this highly competitive sport,” Tinubu stated.

The President assured the team of his full support as they aim to claim a fifth straight AfroBasket title and a seventh overall. D’Tigress will face Mali in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, seeking to make history by becoming the first nation to win five consecutive titles in the competition’s history.

I salute the incredible discipline, focus, and team spirit of D’Tigress at this year’s AfroBasket tournament.

They have not only carried our flag high but earned global respect for Nigerian excellence, our players and team officials.

A special commendation to Coach Rena Wakama,… pic.twitter.com/h4ukM7tm7j

— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) August 3, 2025