In Nigerian sports, few teams have inspired as much pride and admiration as D’Tigress, the national women’s basketball team. Their journey is a story of dominance in Africa, breakthroughs on the global stage, and a lasting impact on the next generation of female athletes. And their dominance in African competitions and growing presence on the global stage have made them not only champions on the court, but also powerful symbols of what Nigerian women can achieve in sports.
1. Five Consecutive AfroBasket Championships
In 2025, D’Tigress claimed their fifth straight FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title, defeating Mali in a thrilling final. This victory cemented their place as Africa’s queens of the court and extended their incredible 29-game winning streak in AfroBasket competition since 2015.
2. A Record-Breaking Seven AfroBasket Titles
Nigeria now holds seven AfroBasket championships in total – more than any other African nation. Each win has united the country, with fans celebrating these victories as national milestones and proof of Nigeria’s dominance in women’s basketball.
3. First African Women’s Team to Win at the Olympics
Back in 2004, D’Tigress made history by becoming the first African women’s basketball team to win a game at the Olympic Games. This trailblazing moment opened doors for future generations and proved that African women could compete – and win – on the biggest stage.
4. Historic Quarter-Final at the World Cup
In 2018, D’Tigress shocked the basketball world by reaching the quarter-finals of the FIBA Women’s World Cup – a first for any African women’s team. This run included impressive wins over higher-ranked opponents and elevated Nigeria’s profile in international basketball.
5. Olympic Breakthrough in Paris 2024
Qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics was already an achievement, but D’Tigress went further – reaching the quarter-finals, the first time any African basketball team (male or female) had done so. Along the way, they claimed statement victories against global powers like Australia and Canada, earning global respect.
Support That Matters: The 1xBet Initiative
Despite growing popularity, women in Nigerian sports still face challenges — from limited funding to cultural biases and lack of visibility. True progress requires more than applause; it needs long-term investment and equal opportunities.
One example is 1xWoman, a social program by sports betting brand 1xBet that empowers women in sports through mentorship, education, and funding.
As 1xBet notes, supporting women is a strategic investment in the future of sports — and part of a wider movement where brands, NGOs, and public figures unite to champion female athletes and fight gender inequality in sport.
A Future Worth Building
The success of D’Tigress shows us what’s possible when women are given space to thrive. Their legacy goes beyond, it lives in the hearts of young girls now picking up the ball for the first time.
Follow the journey of women’s basketball and see how 1xBet’s 1xWoman initiative is shaping the future of sports — stay tuned for more on their official social media channels.
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