Another record was set Saturday, 5 August, 2023, as Nigeria’s D’Tigress emerged victorious with a 83-74 beating of Senegal in the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Final.
The highly anticipated clash, held at the BK Arena, in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, lived up to its billing as one of the most evenly-matched Finals in the tournament’s history with Nigeria eventually emerging victorious.
From experienced to talented players, both teams displayed exceptional skills and determination throughout the championship game. In the end, Nigeria secured an impressive victory, lifting the trophy for the fourth time in a row, an outstanding feat in the annals of women’s basketball in Africa.
The intense match saw D’Tigress, led by their captain, Sarah Ogoke, showcased their unwavering spirit and prowess on the court. Ogoke, a seasoned player with a flawless record in Women’s AfroBasket Finals, proved instrumental in leading her team to victory once again.
Meanwhile, Senegal’s captain, Aya Traore, a veteran of six editions of the tournament, fought valiantly to inspire her team. Although Senegal put up a commendable fight, Nigeria’s relentless performance proved too formidable.
This momentous victory marks Nigeria’s sixth time as champions in women’s basketball on the African continent. Their previous victories came in 2003, 2005, 2017, 2019, and 2021 making them one of the most decorated teams in the history of the tournament.
The 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Final was a rematch of the 2017 and 2019 finals, where Nigeria emerged victorious. Their dominance continued in 2021, when they secured another flawless victory against Senegal in the semis before going on to crush Mali in the final.
With Rena Wakama at the helm as the head coach, Nigeria made history by having the first female coach to lead her team to victory in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket. This achievement reflects the growing prominence of women in coaching roles in African basketball.
