As the calendar turns to 2026, it’s time to reflect on the highs and lows of Nigerian sports in 2025. The year was a rollercoaster of historic achievements, unforgettable victories, and some disappointing setbacks. Here’s a look back at the moments that defined Nigerian sports in 2025.
Historic Highs
Super Falcons claim 10th WAFCON title
The Super Falcons reinforced their dominance in African women’s football by winning a record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. After advancing from the group stage with wins over Tunisia and Botswana and a draw against Algeria, Nigeria overcame Zambia in the quarter-finals and South Africa in the semi-finals. In a dramatic final against host nation Morocco, the Falcons came from two goals down to win 3-2, scoring three second-half goals to reclaim the continental crown.
D’Tigress win fifth consecutive AfroBasket title
Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, continued their continental dominance by claiming a fifth straight FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title. The team defeated Mali 78-64 in the final held in Abidjan on August 3. This victory not only marked Nigeria’s seventh AfroBasket championship overall but also set a record for any African basketball team—male or female—winning five consecutive titles. D’Tigress now boast a 29-match unbeaten run in AfroBasket competitions dating back to 2015.
Nigeria makes history at ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup
The Junior Female Yellow Greens made a splash on the global stage, defeating New Zealand by two wickets in their first-ever ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup match. The rain-shortened 13-over game highlighted Nigeria’s growing investment in women’s cricket, including the launch of a High Performance Centre in Benin City.
The Lows
Super Eagles miss out on 2026 World Cup
The biggest disappointment came from Nigeria’s senior men’s football team. Despite having world-class talent like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi, the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Dropped points, inconsistent selections, and tactical errors contributed to their early exit. Redemption remains the goal at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria advanced to the last 16 after winning all three group-stage matches.
Struggles at the World Athletics Championships
Nigeria’s athletics team returned from Tokyo with only two medals at the 2025 World Athletics Championships. Tobi Amusan claimed silver in the women’s 100m hurdles, while Ezekiel Nathaniel took bronze in the men’s 400m hurdles, setting a new national record.
African Youth Athletics Championships in Abeokuta
The African Youth Athletics Championships showcased Africa’s top U18 and U20 talent. While South Africa dominated overall, Nigeria excelled in women’s sprints, achieving a historic medal sweep and demonstrating the country’s emerging athletic potential.
D’Tigers falter in 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers
Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, had a rocky start to the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualification campaign. After two heavy defeats in Tunis, they salvaged a tense overtime win in their final game, leaving them third in Group C with only one victory from three games—an uncertain path to the next World Cup.
Despite setbacks, 2025 was a year that highlighted Nigeria’s growing strength in women’s sports, promising young talent, and moments of national pride. As 2026 begins, there’s hope that lessons learned will pave the way for greater consistency and success on the global stage.
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