Nigeria, Senegal, 3 other nations with most FIBA Women’s AfroBasket trophies

Since its inception in 1966, the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament has stood as the pinnacle of women’s basketball on the African continent.

Held biennially, the championship not only crowns Africa’s best national team but also serves as a qualifying event for major international tournaments like the FIBA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games.

Typically hosting 12 to 16 countries, the competition begins with group-stage battles before transitioning to knockout rounds.

Over the decades, the tournament has witnessed a dynamic shift in dominance, from the early control of North and Central African nations to the recent supremacy of West African powerhouses.

The 2025 edition marked a historic moment for Nigeria, as they clinched a record fifth consecutive title, while South Sudan made a dream debut by finishing with bronze, an indication of the continent’s rising competition.

Here’s a look at the top five most successful nations in Women’s AfroBasket history:

1. Senegal – 11 Titles

No team has ruled the AfroBasket Women’s stage like Senegal. With 11 titles to their name, Senegal’s dominance stretched from the 1970s into the early 2000s.

Their championship years include: 1974, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1984, 1990, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2009, and 2015.

Though their last win came a decade ago, Senegal has remained a competitive force, reaching the finals five times between 2015 and 2023, including a silver-medal finish in 2023 against Nigeria.

2. Nigeria – 7 Titles

Africa’s current basketball powerhouse, Nigeria, has redefined dominance in the 21st century.

With seven titles, including an unprecedented five straight wins from 2017 to 2025, the Nigerian women’s team has built a legacy rooted in resilience, tactical discipline, and unmatched chemistry.

Their title-winning years include: 2003, 2005, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025. Standout players like Ezinne Kalu (2019), Adaora Elonu (2021), and Amy Okonkwo (2023 & 2025) have become icons of Nigeria’s golden era.

They also hold an impressive 29-match unbeaten streak.

3. DR Congo (Zaire) – 3 Titles

Previously known as Zaire, the Democratic Republic of Congo made a major impact during the 1980s and 1990s.

They clinched the title in 1983, 1986, and 1994.

Although they haven’t returned to podium finishes in recent years, DR Congo’s early influence played a key role in shaping the tournament’s competitive history, particularly for Central Africa.

4. Angola – 2 Titles

Angola enjoyed a brief but impactful reign in the early 2010s, when they disrupted the dominance of Senegal and Nigeria by winning back-to-back championships in 2011 and 2013.

Their strong physical style and structured play gave them a unique edge during that period, earning them a permanent place among the elite.

5. Mali – 1 Title

Mali made history in 2007, becoming only the second West African country after Nigeria to lift the AfroBasket Women’s trophy.

Since then, Mali has remained a consistent podium contender, securing silver medals in both 2021 and 2025.

Their growth in recent years signals their potential to break into the top tier once again.