2025 has been a landmark year for Nigerian women’s sports. On the football pitch, the Super Falcons reclaimed their African crown in dramatic fashion. On the basketball court, the D’Tigress extended their continental dominance and broke new ground globally. Together, these triumphs show Nigeria’s women leading the way for African excellence.
Super Falcons Win Record 10th WAFCON
Esther Okoronkwo’s never die spirit let the charge in the finals. She scored the opening goal and assisted in the second and third. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade – named Tournament MVP – set the tone with relentless energy and leadership. Chiamaka Nnadozie claimed Best Goalkeeper after a string of commanding displays, while Folashade Ijamilusi and Jennifer Echegini scored the crucial second-half goals that sealed victory. Coach Justine Madugu, under pressure before the tournament, masterminded the comeback with decisive tactical shifts. Nigeria has now won all 10 finals it has contested, a record unmatched in African women’s football.
⚽ Super Falcons – 24‑Player WAFCON 2025 Squad
(As selected by Coach Justine Madugu ahead of Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title campaign)
Goalkeepers
- Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC / formerly Brighton FC)
- Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Al‑Sharqia FC, Saudi Arabia)
- Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons, Nigeria)
Defenders
- Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca, Mexico)
- Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy)
- Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA)
- Ashleigh Plumptre (Al‑Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia)
- Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons)
- Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey)
- Miracle Usani (Edo Queens, Nigeria)
Midfielders
- Rasheedat Ajibade (Free Agent, ex-Atlético Madrid, Spain)
- Halimatu Ayinde (Rosengård, Sweden)
- Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA)
- Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint‑Germain, France)
- Toni Payne (Everton, England)
- Christy Ucheibe (Benfica, Portugal)
Forwards
- Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA)
- Francisca Ordega (Al‑Ittihad, Saudi Arabia)
- Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca, Mexico)
- Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier, France)
- Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada)
- Omorinsola Babajide (UDG Tenerife, Spain)
- Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning, China)
- Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA)
D’Tigress Extend AfroBasket Reign and Shine Globally
On the hardwood, Nigeria’s D’Tigress claimed their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title in Abidjan, defeating Mali 78–64. Amy Okonkwo earned MVP honors after a 19-point performance in the final, supported by Ezinne Kalu (20 points) and Victoria Macaulay (10). Under coach Rena Wakama, the team remains unbeaten in AfroBasket play since 2015.
Their momentum carried into the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they made history by becoming the first African basketball team to reach the Olympic quarter-finals, highlighted by statement wins over Australia and Canada.
🏀 D’Tigress – Final 12‑Player Roster for 2025 Women’s AfroBasket
(Selected by Coach Rena Wakama to defend Nigeria’s continental crown)
- Amy Okonkwo (Captain)
- Ezinne Kalu
- Promise Amukamara
- Victoria Macaulay
- Murjanatu Musa
- Elizabeth Balogun
- Ifunaya Okoro
- Blessing Ejiofor
- Nicole Enabosi
- Pallas Kunayi
- Vera Ojenuwa
- Christabel Ezumah
This final 12-player roster was drawn from a broader provisional 20-player squad announced by the Nigeria Basketball Federation, which also included Grace Efosa, Solape Amusan, Adenike Olawuyi, Ugonne Onyiah, Izoje Uche, Lauren Ebo, and Abiodun Damilola Yusuf among others
A New Era of Nigerian Dominance
With the Falcons ruling African football and the D’Tigress redefining African basketball, Nigeria has become the standard-bearer for women’s sport on the continent. Their 2025 triumphs are more than just trophies – they are a statement of resilience, excellence, and ambition.
