Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – Nigeria’s powerhouse forward Amy Okonkwo has been crowned Most Valuable Player of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, following a commanding performance in the final and throughout the tournament. She also earned a coveted spot on the Team of the Tournament, underscoring her impact for the D’Tigress .
- In Sunday’s final against Mali, Okonkwo delivered a stellar stat line: 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists over a full 40 minutes, helping Nigeria secure a 78–64 victory .
- Despite trailing 26–21 after the first quarter, Nigeria regrouped to tie the game at halftime (41–41). Okonkwo’s aggressive play highlighted by a pivotal three-point play, shifted momentum decisively in Nigeria’s favor in the third quarter .
- Nigeria closed the contest with a dominant 17–8 run in the fourth quarter, further cementing their unassailable position .
- Across five games, Okonkwo averaged 14 points, 6 rebounds, and an impressive 15.6 efficiency rating, finishing in double figures in all but one match .
- She emerged as only the second Nigerian ever to win back‑to‑back MVP awards at the Women’s AfroBasket, matching a feat last achieved by Mfon Udoka in 2003 and 2005 .
Okonkwo led the All‑Tournament Team, headlined by five standout players: Cierra Dillard (Senegal), Delicia Washington (South Sudan), Jane Asinde (Uganda), Sika Kone (Mali), joining her as the elite squad of the championship .
With the 2025 title, Nigeria has now claimed a record fifth consecutive Women’s AfroBasket crown, extending their unbeaten streak to 29 straight games since 2017, setting an unmatched continental record .
Season Retrospective
- The tournament unfolded in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire from 25 July to 3 August, featuring 12 teams, with the top four also securing spots in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers .
- Nigeria, Mali, South Sudan, and Senegal are the four semifinalists to reach the next stage of World Cup qualification .
🎖️ Editor’s Note
Amy Okonkwo’s dominance in Abidjan reaffirms her place at the pinnacle of African women’s basketball. As she lifts MVP honors for the second time, her performance embodies leadership, consistency, and elite skill qualities that have powered Nigeria’s historic march in the AfroBasket era.
Nigeria’s fifth straight title is more than just a statistic, it’s a statement. With Okonkwo as the standard bearer, the D’Tigress continue to define excellence for the continent.
