Afrobasket: Celebrations Erupt As D’Tigress Clinch Victory Over Senegal, Securing Fourth Consecutive Championship

Nigeria Secures Record Fourth Consecutive Title in 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship

In a remarkable feat, Nigeria has emerged victorious once again in the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship, marking their fourth consecutive title achievement.

D’Tigress, Nigeria’s esteemed women’s basketball team, showcased their prowess by defeating the 11-time African champions with a score of 84-74. The intense match unfolded at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, on a thrilling Saturday.

This victory solidifies Nigeria’s position as the second African team, following Senegal, to clinch the championship title four times in a row.

The triumphant outcome for D’Tigress comes with an added opportunity as they are now set to compete for a coveted spot in the women’s basketball event at the upcoming 2024 Olympics.

D’Tigress asserted their dominance right from the outset, establishing a commanding nine-point lead by the conclusion of the first quarter.

Senegal remained competitive during the second quarter, narrowing the margin to 24-21 in favor of D’Tigress, but Nigeria extended their lead to 12 points as they headed into halftime.

A spirited display by Senegal in the third quarter allowed them to outscore D’Tigress by 26-19, reducing the deficit to a mere five points.

The final quarter showcased a fierce contest between the top two teams of the tournament. Senegal fought valiantly to close the gap, but D’Tigress prevailed, securing a 10-point victory.

Remarkably, the Lionesses have now suffered defeat at the hands of D’Tigress in four Afrobasket finals (2005, 2017, 2019, and 2023).

Wakama, the newly appointed Head Coach of D’Tigress, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman to lead a team to the Afrobasket title.

Amy Okonkwo of Nigeria emerged as the standout performer in the final, amassing 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists. Her exceptional performance earned her the title of Most Valuable Player of the final.

Take a glimpse at the captivating moments captured during the championship in the photos below.