Nigeria vs. Mali
Sunday, 3 August 2025 • 7:00 PM GMT+1 / 6:00 PM Abidjan local time
Venue: Palais des Sports de Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Lead
Nigeria’s formidable D’Tigress (six-time champions) take on long-time challengers Mali (one title – 2007) for the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket crown. This marks their second final meeting in five years, with Nigeria aiming to become the first nation to win five consecutive titles. Mali, hungry to end an 18-year drought, seek to upset the continental order.
Rivalry Snapshot
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All-time record: Nigeria 6 wins – Mali 5 wins across 11 meetings.
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Last 5 contests: Nigeria (2022) 73‑69; Nigeria (2021) 70‑59; Nigeria (2019) 74‑59 and 79‑58; Mali (2017) 48‑47.
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Their prior final showdown came in 2021, with Nigeria reigning supreme at 70‑59.
What’s at Stake
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Nigeria is within reach of a record fifth straight Women’s AfroBasket title, building on wins in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023.
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A win would also secure an automatic berth at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin.
For Mali, victory means ending an 18-year wait for continental glory and disrupting Nigeria’s dominance.
Path to the Final
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Nigeria powered through the group stage and defeated Senegal 75‑68 in a nail-biting semifinal to extend their winning streak against that rival to seven consecutive victories.
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Mali demolished South Sudan 76‑50 in their semi-final, seizing control early and setting up the revenge match with Nigeria.
Nigeria vs. Mali at a Glance
| Nigeria (D’Tigress) | Mali | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Titles | 6 (most in AfroBasket Women history) | 1 (2007) |
| Finals Appearances | 5 consecutive (2017–2025) | 3 (2007, 2009, 2025) |
| Head‑to‑Head | 6 wins | 5 wins (of 11 games) |
Players & Coaching Profiles
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Nigeria Captain & MVP Candidate: Amy Okonkwo is France-based and the MVP in Kigali 2023, averaging 17.2 points and over 8 rebounds per game.
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Coach: Rena Wakama – the first female head coach to win AfroBasket; poised to extend Nigeria’s dynasty.
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Mali’s Standouts: Sira Thienou, representing Ole Miss, is a rising force determined to guide Mali to their first title in 18 years.
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Oumarou Sidiya, Mali’s coach, is looking to deliver one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s modern history.
Tactical Battles to Watch
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Nigeria’s strength: depth and discipline in transition defense; clutch shooting led by Okonkwo and veteran guards
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Mali’s edge: speed, ball movement, and intense perimeter defense that smothers opposing ball-handlers—a formula they expertly deployed against South Sudan and Mozambique.
Key matchup: Nigeria’s tall frontline saltation vs Mali’s quicker guards attempting to break the press early.
How to Watch
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Time: Sunday, 3 August – 7:00 PM GMT+1 / 6:00 PM Abidjan
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Livestream: Available on FIBA.tv and select African broadcasters
