Amy Okonkwo once again rose to the occasion on Africa’s biggest basketball stage, powering Nigeria’s D’Tigress to their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title on Sunday in Abidjan — and claiming Most Valuable Player (MVP) honours for the second straight tournament.
Okonkwo was simply unstoppable throughout the 2025 edition, delivering consistent performances that underlined her status as the continent’s premier forward.
In the championship game against Mali, she delivered a near double-double with 19 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, guiding Nigeria to a convincing 78–64 victory.
The win marked Nigeria’s seventh AfroBasket crown, drawing them ever closer to Senegal’s record of eleven titles. But for Okonkwo, it was more than just another trophy — it was a legacy-defining performance that confirmed her as the heartbeat of African women’s basketball.
By winning her second consecutive MVP award, the versatile forward joins an elite group of players who have dominated successive AfroBasket tournaments.
Okonkwo’s game—marked by strength, precision, leadership, and poise—has become the gold standard for excellence in African basketball.
“She was the engine behind Nigeria’s dominance,” one FIBA official remarked after the final, praising her ability to lead both offensively and defensively when it mattered most.
Okonkwo also headlined the All-Tournament Team, which featured the top five performers across the competition:
- Amy Okonkwo (Nigeria)
- Cierra Dillard (Senegal)
- Delicia Washington (South Sudan)
- Jane Asinde (Uganda)
- Sika Koné (Mali)
Other award winners included South Sudan’s Delicia Washington (Top Scorer), Cameroon’s Jessica Thomas (Best Three-Point Shooter), and Maria Teresa Gakdeng of South Sudan (Best Rebounder).
While individual players were honoured, the absence of a Best Coach award drew attention. Nigeria’s Rena Wakama, who led the team to back-to-back titles in her first two appearances, was widely expected to be recognized.
Despite the oversight, her leadership has been instrumental in establishing Nigeria as Africa’s most dominant force in women’s basketball.
With Amy Okonkwo leading the charge, Nigeria’s D’Tigress look poised for even greater heights as they shift their focus to upcoming Olympic and global qualification campaigns.
The 2025 tournament may be over, but for Okonkwo, her AfroBasket legacy is just beginning.