(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Nigeria Clinch Historic Fifth Consecutive AfroBasket Title, South Sudan Celebrate Maiden Bronze
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, made history on Sunday, August 3, by winning their fifth straight FIBA Women’s AfroBasket championship, defeating Mali 78-64 in a thrilling final at the Palais des Sports Treichville.
The victory not only secured Nigeria’s seventh continental title but also booked their place at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany.
A Comeback Victory
Mali came out strong, taking a 26-20 lead in the first quarter. However, Nigeria bounced back with intensity, dominating the remaining three quarters to seal a convincing win over their West African rivals.
This triumph reinforces Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s basketball, making them the first team to win five consecutive AfroBasket titles.
World Cup Bound
With this championship win, Nigeria qualifies directly for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Meanwhile, Mali, South Sudan, and Senegal will proceed to the World Cup qualifying tournaments in March 2026, where they’ll fight for the remaining slots.
South Sudan Make History with Bronze
In the third-place match earlier in the day, tournament debutants South Sudan stunned Senegal with a dramatic 66-65 victory, earning a historic bronze medal.
It marks South Sudan’s first-ever medal in a major continental women’s basketball tournament—and a rare feat, as no other debutant has medaled in the history of the competition.
On the other hand, Senegal—11-time champions—missed the podium for only the third time in 26 editions, extending their gold medal drought for at least two more years.
What’s Next?
With Nigeria headed to Berlin, and Mali, South Sudan, and Senegal eyeing World Cup qualification, African women’s basketball is entering an exciting new chapter. Fans can look forward to the upcoming qualifiers in March 2026, where more history could be made.
