In a thrilling showdown at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, history was made as Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, emerged victorious, defeating Senegal 83-74 in the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Final.
The highly anticipated clash lived up to its billing as one of the most evenly-matched Finals in the tournament’s history, showcasing exceptional skills and determination from both experienced and talented players.
Led by their captain, the formidable Sarah Ogoke, D’Tigress displayed unwavering spirit and prowess on the court. Ogoke, a seasoned player with an impeccable record in Women’s AfroBasket Finals, proved instrumental in leading her team to victory once again. On the other side, Senegal’s captain, Aya Traore, a veteran of six editions of the tournament, fought valiantly to inspire her team, but Nigeria’s relentless performance proved too formidable.
The victory marks Nigeria’s sixth time as champions in women’s basketball on the African continent, securing an impressive fourth consecutive title in a row. Their previous triumphs came in 2003, 2005, 2017, 2019, and 2021, establishing them as one of the most decorated teams in the tournament’s history.
Under the guidance of head coach Rena Wakama, Nigeria etched another milestone by becoming the first team to have a female coach lead them to victory in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket. This achievement reflects the growing prominence of women in coaching roles in African basketball and sets a precedent for future tournaments.
The 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Final was a captivating 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 crushing Mali in the final.
As the celebrations ensue, fans and basketball enthusiasts across the continent are thrilled by the exceptional display of talent and teamwork exhibited by both teams throughout the championship game. The 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket will undoubtedly be remembered as a memorable and historic tournament, adding to the rich tapestry of women’s basketball in Africa.
