Abuja is gearing up for what promises to be one of Nigeria’s most significant basketball events, as the celebrated Nigerian national senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, prepares to play on home soil for the first time after their remarkable five consecutive Afrobasket championship victories. This groundbreaking tournament, organized by the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) and El Carnival, is scheduled to light up the prestigious Mo Arena Abuja from July 18 to 20, 2025.
Led by Nigerian WNBA Coach, Rena Wakama, D’Tigress, often hailed as a “bumper-pack” Nigerian women’s team, boasts an impressive roster that includes six WNBA players. The team will face formidable challengers in classy Kenya and high-rising Togo, promising electrifying basketball action for Nigerian fans.
More Than Just a Game: Empowerment and Inspiration
Beyond the thrill of elite competition, this international tournament is designed with a deeper purpose. As part of their homecoming rendezvous, the D’Tigress players will actively participate in women empowerment programs, leveraging their platform to inspire and uplift. Furthermore, they will host basketball camps for up-and-coming stars in Abuja, nurturing the next generation of Nigerian basketball talent.
Mathew Ohio, the Chief Executive Officer of El Carnival, expressed his excitement about bringing this star event to Nigeria. “After putting together a welcome party for D’Tigress in Paris at the Olympic Games, we felt it was necessary to promote and showcase the incredible talents of these wonderful ladies in Nigeria. We are excited to be a part of bringing home the best team in Africa,” Ohio remarked, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the team’s achievements domestically.
Ugo Udezue, the NBBF’s Chairman of the Sponsorship Committee, highlighted the Federation’s long-standing desire to connect the team with their passionate fanbase. “The NBBF President [Musa Kida] mandated we make this event possible and bring our D’Tigress back home. This will be an exciting and fun atmosphere with a chance for fans to meet and interact with our players for the first time. We are grateful to our sponsors, and we continue to solicit more to make this event a beautiful one,” Udezue stated, underlining the commitment to making this a memorable experience for all.
A Legacy of Dominance: D’Tigress’s Unmatched Excellence
Nigeria’s dominance in women’s basketball is a powerful testament to the strength, resilience, and excellence of the country’s female athletes. D’Tigress has consistently proven themselves as the undisputed best team in Africa, securing four consecutive AfroBasket titles in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023. Their historic journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they became the first African team to reach the quarterfinals after stunning top-ranked teams like Canada and Australia, further solidified their global standing. These remarkable achievements not only highlight the team’s success but also serve as a profound source of inspiration and empowerment for women in sports across Nigeria and beyond.
This D’Tigress International Tournament is strategically designed as a key preparatory event for the team ahead of the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025, which will be held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from July 24 to August 3, 2025. Featuring competitive teams from Nigeria (D’Tigress), Kenya, and Togo, the tournament offers a crucial opportunity for high-level competition, enhancing the teams’ readiness for the continental championship.
Basketball enthusiasts, sports lovers, and advocates for women’s empowerment are encouraged to mark their calendars for July 18-20, 2025, and witness history unfold at Mo Arena Abuja as D’Tigress plays for the first time on home soil as African champions.
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