Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Saturday congratulated the national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for reaching the final of the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket for the fifth consecutive time after a thrilling 75-68 win over Senegal in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The victory, Nigeria’s seventh straight over Senegal, came after a dramatic semi-final clash at the Palais des Sports de Treichville. D’Tigress edged the first quarter 22-17 and maintained a narrow lead with a 21-20 second quarter, before losing momentum in the third as Senegal surged ahead 21-9.
With seven minutes left, Senegal led 68-62, but Nigeria rallied with a 23-10 final-quarter burst to seal the win. The match was dubbed “the final before the final” and secured Nigeria’s place in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments in March.
“I have observed the discipline, focus, and team spirit consistently displayed by D’Tigress throughout this tournament qualities that have brought honour to our nation and earned respect for our players and coaches worldwide,” Tinubu said in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
He praised head coach Rena Wakama, the team’s first female coach, for her leadership and experience both on the court and now from the bench.
“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,” he said.
D’Tigress reached the semi-finals after an 83-47 demolition of Cameroon on Thursday. Alongside Mali, Senegal and South Sudan, they will represent Africa in the World Cup qualifying tournaments, joining teams from the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania.
The president assured the team of his support as they chase a fifth straight AfroBasket title and seventh overall.
