9 things about the best female basketball team in Africa

• Women’s basketball is becoming more and more popular
• More national teams are competing for the top slot aided by their troops of talented athletes and loyal fan bases
• Moreover, the best team will play at AfroBasket in 2025

You know Nigeria for its exploits in the African music industry but that’s not all. Nigeria has a big share of the best female basketball team in Africa.

Women’s basketball is becoming more and more popular. More national teams are competing for the top slot aided by their troops of talented athletes and loyal fan bases. However, which African country has the top women’s basketball team?

Which is the Best Women’s Basketball Team in Africa?

Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team D’Tigress is undoubtedly the best female basketball team in Africa. Over the last four years (2017–2023), D’Tigress has dominated the Women’s Afrobasket Championship which is Africa’s best basketball event.  The team is very popular in West Africa and it enjoys a wide media coverage during the on-season.

Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team D’Tigress. Photo/Peoples Gazette

What Makes D’Tigress the Best Female Basketball Team in Africa?

The following nine factors form the core of this Nigerian female basketball team being the best in the continent.

1.      Exceptional Roster

D’Tigress has a squad full of athletes with extraordinary abilities. Their talent pool is deep and includes dominating point guards shooting at lightning speed. They stand out for their ability to execute plays perfectly and adjust to different game circumstances.

2.      Brilliant Coaching Team

A visionary coach is the driving force behind any successful team. Astute coaching that prioritizes mental toughness, strategy, and fundamentals is beneficial to D’Tigress. Their coaches push each athlete to reach their full potential while instilling discipline and teamwork.

3.      Resilience

Above the coaching brilliance and exceptional team, the team has mastered the art of resilience. Players often show unrelenting commitment while battling it out with formidable opponents. It is admirable how they overcome failures and stay focused even when the heat on the court is too much.

4.      Team Dynamics

D’Tigress works well together as a cohesive unit. Their synergy is stronger than their individual skills. They trust each other, move the ball with ease, and communicate well which is why they are the best female basketball team in Africa

5.      Outgoing Players

The African female basketball team boasts several talented players competing in top leagues worldwide. Aisha Buhari who plays professionally in France and Adaora Elonu (a WNBA player) support the team in a huge way.

6.      Oppressive Defensiveness

D’Tigress is a prime example of defensive prowess, which is what wins championships. Their oppressive defence throws off opponents’ rhythm, incites turnovers, and opens up opportunities for fast breaks.

7.      Exposure Abroad:

D’Tigress competes internationally, taking on elite teams from several countries. Their basketball IQ increases, their skills are sharper, and they get ready for high-stakes competitions.

8.      Passion

Being a Nigerian representative is an honour as well as a duty. D’Tigress takes great satisfaction in donning their national colours. Their love for their nation and their enthusiasm for the game drive their performances.

9.      Huge Community Support

This team does so much more besides winning championships. They interact with communities outside of the court, run clinics, encourage women’s sports, and mentor young girls. This influence gives them an unseen advantage during their matches.

Besides the Nigerian basketball queens, Senegal and Mali respectively are listed among the top five best female basketball teams in Africa.

Nigerian basketball queens D’Tigress. Photo/Daily Post Nigeria

Who is #1 Player in Women’s Basketball?

Aisha Buhari, Adaora Elonu, Sarah Ogoke and Evelyn Akhator are some of the greatest female basketball players from Nigeria. Other outstanding basketball players from Africa include

• Astou Traore (Senegal)
• Nacissela Mauricio (Angola)
• Leia Dongue (Mozambique)
• Italee Lucas (Angola)
• Ndeye Sène (Senegal)
• Aya Traoré (Mali)

What is the AfroBasket Women’s 2025?

AfroBasket is a fierce competition bringing together the best women’s national teams across to compete for the championship title. It will take place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast in 2025, and you can expect to see D’Tigress, the best female basketball team in Africa playing.  Some 20 national women’s basketball teams will compete in the 2025 AfroBasket qualifiers. Basketball heavyweights like Angola, Senegal, Nigeria, Tunisia, and Egypt, set the stage for qualifying teams.

Subsequently, the top four teams at the 2025 AfroBasket Women will be guaranteed a spot in one of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying events in 2026. The championship allows teams to represent Africa on the international women’s basketball front.

Conclusion

To be the best in African women’s basketball, D’Tigress combines skill, defensive prowess, chemistry, resilience, and brilliant coaching. Their path is proof of commitment, cooperation, and an unending quest for excellence.