By Saidu Abubakar
The third quarter of the year has been remarkably rewarding, given that Nigeria has displayed some appreciable successes on the global sports stage, which serve as a soothing balm amid turbulent economic and security challenges.
Aquatics Jnr Champ:
The Nigeria Aquatic Federation (NAF) recorded a landmark achievement as Abduljabar Adama clinched a silver medal in the men’s 50m butterfly at the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Otopeni, Romania.
Adama touched the wall at 23.64 seconds, a performance that not only earned him second place on the global stage but also marked Nigeria’s first-ever medal win in world swimming history. The feat represents the highest achievement by a Nigerian swimmer at any World Aquatics event since the sport’s inception in the country.
Earlier in March this year, Adama had stunned the continent at the 16th Africa Junior Swimming Championships in Cairo, Egypt, where he won three gold and one bronze medal to set multiple records, including a new African Junior record in the 50m freestyle. His continued rise confirms his status as one of Africa’s brightest swimming prospects.
Football – Super Falcons:
Nigeria produced a sensational second-half comeback to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 and seal a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
The Atlas Lionesses led 2-0 at halftime through Ghizlane Chebbak’s fine curling effort and a scuffed shot from Sanaa Mssoudy. But Esther Okoronkwo inspired the Nigerians after the break, pulling a goal back from the penalty spot in the 64th minute after Nouhaila Benzina handled Folamide Ijamilusi’s cross.
Subsequently, Ijamilu’s 71st-minute equaliser was complemented by an existing 88th-minute winner that dashed the Moroccans’ hope.
The Super Falcons went ahead to scoop many awards at the WAFCON in addition to winning the championships. The Nigerian team carted home three of the five available awards. Chiamaka Nnadozie, who plays for Brighton FC of England after moving from Paris FC, retained the CAF Golden Glove award for Best Goalkeeper. She had won the award in 2023 and 2024. She was Di Arkem’s goalkeeper of the season 2023-2024. IFFHS Africa’s Best Goalkeeper in the diaspora in 2919.
Expectedly, Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, popularly called Mummy G.O. (because of her Christian preaching and prayer poses), who won three Woman of the Match awards out of six matches played, was crowned best player of the tournament.
Basketball – D’Tigress:
D’Tigress of Nigeria earned a nail-biting 78-64 victory over Mali in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket to emerge champions for the fifth consecutive time.
The Rene Wakama-led side became the only team to have won the competition for a record fifth straight year, breaking Senegal’s record of four. Mali started the encounter with intent and purpose, earning a deserved 26-21 victory.
Nigeria bounced back in the second quarter with 12 unanswered points to take the lead, eventually recording a 20-15 before Mali fought back to ensure a 41-41 draw at halftime. Amy Okonkwo and Ezinne Kalu earned 11 points apiece, while Mali’s Sika Kone was the only player with double figures for the runners-up.
The D’Tigress recorded a 20-15 win in the third quarter before sealing the victory in the fourth quarter to retain the trophy. Nigeria has now won the AfroBasket title in 2003, 2005, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, and now 2025.
In appreciation of the feat, members of the female basketball team are to receive a cash reward of $100,000 (£75,000) each following their victory at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.
At a special reception held in honour of the D’Tigress, Vice-President Kashim Shettima also promised each player a three-bedroom flat.
A similar bonus was promised to the national female football team, the Super Falcons, last month after they won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).