ODOGWU IN BOX 18: Like Super Falcons, Like D’Tigress
In July 2025, the Super Falcons clinched their record-breaking 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, beating hosts Morocco 3–2 in a dramatic comeback final in Rabat .This victory reaffirms Nigeria’s unmatched place at the pinnacle of African women’s football—with no other nation winning more than twice .
Trailing 0–2 by the 64th minute, Nigeria staged a stunning turnaround—goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini (introduced off the bench) sealed the title with two minutes to spare . The squad’s resilience and belief under interim coach Justine Madugu—appointed in September 2024—were critical to the win,
At the tournament, Rasheedat Ajibade earned Player of the Tournament, appearing in the WAFCON Best XI alongside Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, and Okoronkwo, Nnadozie Assistant captain and goalkeeper, was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament after conceding only three goals .
Michelle Alozie and Esther Okoronkwo both gained MVP recognition and popularity among younger fans via social media engagement .
Despite their long history—qualification for every FIFA Women’s World Cup, and reaching the quarterfinals in 1999—they’ve also battled organizational challenges and poor World Cup goal differential records . Nonetheless, their continental supremacy continues to drive a resurgence in women’s football development across Nigeria .
D’Tigress are Nigeria’s Titanesses of the Court. They have won six AfroBasket Women’s Championships in total, including an unprecedented five consecutive titles by August 2025, making them dominant in African basketball . Their streak began with four in a row from 2017 to 2023 under coach Rena Wakama, Nigeria’s first female head coach to win AfroBasket .
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, under Wakama’s leadership, D’Tigress made history as the first African team—male or female—to reach the basketball quarterfinals, after wins over powerhouses Australia (75–62) and Canada (79–70) . The win over Australia ended a 12-game losing streak for African teams against the Opals.
Rena Wakama, coach since 2023, earned FIBA’s Best Coach award at the Paris Olympics and continued elevating Nigeria’s status on the global stage .
Amy Okonkwo, MVP of the 2023 AfroBasket, and Ezinne Kalu (vital in the Olympic upset of Australia) have become household names and icons of Nigeria’s sporting resurgence .
Just as with the Super Falcons, the D’Tigress received praise from President Tinubu and the First Lady after winning five straight AfroBasket titles in August 2025 . Their near-perfect continental record (29 matches unbeaten since 2015) reflects discipline and national pride .Resilience & Mental Strength. Both teams thrive under pressure. The Super Falcons’ comeback in WAFCON and D’Tigress’s Olympic upsets showcase mental toughness and elite execution in crunch moments .
Coaching decisions have been transformative: Madugu restored belief in football, while Wakama broke barriers as a female coach and inspired a new generation of basketball talent   .
Both squads boast players who now serve as role models—on and off the field—from Okoronkwo’s goals to Alozie’s social media presence, and Okonkwo’s MVP-level dominance to Kalu’s standout Olympic performance , their victories are more than trophies—they’re moments of national unity. Public and corporate support have followed, with brands like Goldberg and political leaders praising their achievements .
Super Falcons aim to reclaim global respect: targeted improvements in World Cup performance, stronger infrastructure, and youth development remain key. Pressure from emerging African competitors like South Africa and Morocco is growing . D’Tigress are building toward global consistency: following the Olympic breakthrough, they aim to qualify and advance in future World Cups under Wakama’s leadership and maintain continental dominance during qualification cycles .
Both the Super Falcons and D’Tigress reflect the same Nigerian ladies spirit: unwavering resilience, rising under pressure, and sustained excellence. Each team is rewriting sports history—turning grassroot potentials into national pride and global impact. Their journeys are not just about trophies but about forging a sporting legacy for Nigerian women and the continent.
As African women’s sports continue to evolve, Nigeria’s dual heroines set a powerful precedent: dominating at home, breaking ceilings abroad, and inspiring future generations to dream—and achieve—without limits.


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